Is It the Weekend Yet? As Good As Hartford!

Football fans,  community television supporters, science geeks, women’s activists, non-profit supporters and those who love to spell or watch a good parade  all have something to look forward to beginning today.

Football legend, community leader and philanthropist Archie Manning will be the guest of honor at the Greater Hartford YMCA’s “YMCA Celebrates Champions” program Thursday at the Hartford Marriott Downtown.

Manning, a former New Orleans Saints quarterback and dad to pro players Eli and Peyton,  will speak at the program that benefits Read to Succeed and the Strong Kids Campaign. Information at www.ghymca.org

Also on Thursday, the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame will honor three women at its “19th Annual Ceremony and Celebration” at the Connecticut Convention Center.

Honorees are foreign conflict correspondent Anne Garrels, internationally renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz and radio broadcaster and foodie Faith Middleton.

There’s also some anniversary celebrating to do this weekend.

On Friday, Operation Fuel  will celebrate its 35th anniversary with a party at the Connecticut Science Center in Hartford. The nonprofit statewide program has provided emergency energy assistance to low-income working families as well as elderly and disable in need for decades. The party begins at 7 p.m. go to www.operationfuel.org

Also on Friday, Community Research celebrates its 25th anniversary with a program that beings at 4 p.m. The event will be held at its office at 146 Wyllys St. in Hartford.

Like to spell? Head over to the Sixth Annual Community Spelling Bee from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Learning Corridor  in Hartford at 359 Washington St., Hartford.  Dozens of teams will square off to win the family friendly competition featuring Trinity Squash coach Paul Assaiante as emcee.  Go to www.achievehartford.org for information.

Also on Friday, the Cherish the Children Foundation will hold its 11th Annual “Star Bright Night  Gala”  at the Connecticut Convention Center. The evening will have a South Beach Club theme and include dancing, food, cocktails and auctions. More information at www.operationfuel.org.

West Hartford Community Television will celebrate its 30th anniversary at its ”Back To WHC-TV’s Future” fundraiser,  Saturday night at the West Hartford Meeting and Conference Center in West Hartford Center. A host of past and present producers are expected to be honored as part of the event.

The always creative Hooker Day Parade steps off Saturday at 2 p.m. in Hartford. The parade, honoring Hartford’s founder, Thomas Hooker, was started in the early 90s by the late Hartford mayor Mike Peters and includes bands,  puppets and wearable art, the Coneheads, Hartford’s Classical Magnet School Marching Gladiators and more. Sponsored by the Hartford Business Improvement District and Hartford.com, there is also a family friendly after party along Allyn Street. The parade begins at Asylum and High Streets. Rain date is Oct. 21.

Also on Saturday,  The Connecticut Science Center (www.ctsciencecenter.org)  will hold its annual “The Green Gala” with proceeds going to the center’s programs. The H2O inspired theme evening includes three floors of tapas dining, libations, a silent auction and dancing.