Nice Weather Expected; Symphony of Lights Returns: Week Ahead

Weather - It's looking like Monday is going to be the best day weather-wise of the week. The high is expected to reach 66 today, with a low around 35 degrees tonight, according to the National Weather Service. Tuesday through Friday clear skies and mild temperatures (highs in the mid-50s) are predicted. Cold temps are expected to drop into the 30s each night.

Dazzle Dash is this Weekend - Dazzle Dash weekend, the official kickoff for Symphony of Lights takes place Saturday and Sunday. The annual spectacle that lights up Symphony Woods in Downtown Columbia begins with a run through the light displays on Saturday starting at 5:30 p.m. Then on Sunday, families and walkers are invited out to walk the display. Sunday's festivities begin with food and activities at 4 p.m. and then the lights come on at 5:30 p.m. The cost of each event is $30 for an individual, $60 for a group of 3, $70 for a group of four, $80 for a group of five and $90 for a group of 6. Symphony of Lights is an annual fundraiser for the Howard County General Hospital. After Dazzle Dash weekend visitors can see the lights by driving through at a cost of $20 per car.

Get a Fresh Turkey - Now is the time to pre-order that fresh turkey for Thanksgiving. In Howard County, you can pick one up at Maple Lawn Farms. Or, if you're in Ellicott City, J.W. Treuth's butcher shop, just across the bridge in Oella, is taking orders now for fresh turkeys that can be picked up next week.

Tough Losses for Football Teams - Not only did the local professional teams lose over the weekend, so did a couple of the high school teams in the state playoffs. Glenelg, the Howard County champion this season, lost 34-13 to Reservoir, a team they beat 24-6 earlier this season. And Howard High lost 28-14 to Perry Hall. The good news is obviously Reservoir and, perennial powerhouses, River Hill High moving on to the next round. River Hill dominated City College 49-0 to advance to the East 3A regional title game. River Hill will face off against Reservoir, a team they beat 14-13 in the season finale, in the regional final. The final takes place Friday at 7 p.m. at River Hill High School.