Those three little words can be so hard to say: Life is good.

We're at war, broke and home to the worst team in the National Football League. What's so good about life anyway?

Scott Newcomer asked himself that question when he lost his job as an airline pilot in 2002. When he earned his commercial pilot's license 13 years earlier, Newcomer imagined he had secured his family's financial future. Then 9/11 and a down economy led to his furlough. Newcomer, a glass half-full kind of guy, decided to be a stay-at-home dad.

"It was wonderful," Newcomer says. "Not many dads get the chance. I really embraced it. I got to see the birth of my daughter, and if I had been a pilot that may not have happened."

Newcomer is now owner of Jake's on Main, which sells those ubiquitous Life is Good T-shirts, hats and spare-tire covers. The brand strives to send out "good vibes" via merchandise, the Life is Good Foundation, and festivals in Boston, Toronto, Atlanta and other hot spots, like St. Charles.

The Saturday event starts at 11 a.m. with a 4K walk from Frontier Park to the Blanchette Landing on the Katy Trial.

"I don't want to give too much away, but we'll have some surprises along the way," Newcomer says. "There could be musicians, there may be some fun activities."

Registration costs $30 and includes a Life is Good shirt. Proceeds go to Project Joy, which supports charities that help children who have suffered from trauma or abuse. Local recipients are Grace Hill, Angels' Arms and the YMCA of Greater St. Louis.

After the walk, Frontier Park will host live music, a group art project and dozens of games like corn hole, go fish and putt putt.

"The focus is on backyard fun," Newcomer says. "It's the kind of day where parents can really play with their kids."

ON THE MAIN STAGE

Brett Dennen, 4 p.m.
• Why his name sounds so familiar: He's rocked the late-night circuit, appearing on "The Late Show," "The Tonight Show" and "Late Night." He's toured with John Mayer and Guster. And both Rolling Stone and Entertainment Weekly call him an up-and-comer to watch.
• How he's trying to make life good: Dennen created an original musical curriculum for the Mosaic Project, a nonprofit organization that teaches elementary school pupils how to resolve conflicts and respect classmates.
• Why he's worth a listen: Dennen's soulful folk is both musically soothing and lyrically challenging. Our favorites: "Closer to You," "Ain't Gonna Lose You" and "Heaven" featuring Natalie Merchant.

Erin McCarley, 2 p.m.
• What's her story: The Texas-born songwriter used to sing in a country cover band before she discovered the power of songwriting.
• Who are her fans: Romantically challenged ingenues clearly are drawn to McCarley. Her music has appeared on angst-driven favorites "One Tree Hill," "Grey's Anatomy," "The Hills" and "He's Just Not That Into You." Her dreamy vocals and catchy pop melodies remind us of Vanessa Carlton and Sara Bareilles.
• What songs will grab you: "Pony (It's OK)," "Love, Save the Empty," "Pitter Pat." Don't worry — her lyrics are not nearly as obtuse as her song titles.

SteveSongs, Noon
• What does Steve Roslonek sing about: The passions of your typical toddler: fast monkeys, gravity and libraries ("At this place they let you borrow their stuff for free if you promise to bring it back.").
• Why he is the real king of all media: Roslonek, known to fans as Mr. Steve, has recorded five albums, produced a DVD, performed more than 2,000 concerts and is co-host of PBS Kids' "Preschool Destination," which features "Curious George," "Clifford the Big Red Dog" and other shows.
• Why critics love him: The Los Angeles Times says, "Warm, gentle humor and well-crafted, quirky wordplay run through Steve Roslonek's creative songs and stories."

OTHER FUN WEEKEND WALKS AND RUNS

If you thought fall weekends were for watching football, visit the St. Louis Track Club's website for a comprehensive list of 10K, 5K and fun runs. Here is just a small sample of this weekend's active activities.

Run for Congo Women
When: 9 a.m. Saturday
Where: Queeny Park, 550 Weidman Road
How much: $25 for the 4.2 mile run; $20 for the Fun Run
More info: runforcongowomen.org
This scenic run crosses woods and meadows. Benefits Congolese women and children.

5K Pumpkin Brew Run
When: 4 p.m. Saturday
Where: Amsterdam Tavern, 3175 Morgan Ford Road
How much: $25
More info: fitnessforfunstl.com
Fun run through the Tower Grove neighborhood ends with O'Fallon's pumpkin beer. Costumes encouraged.

St. Louis Halloween 10K and Fun Run
When: 8 a.m. Sunday for the 10K, 9:30 a.m. for the Fun Run
Where: Soldiers Memorial Plaza
How much: $40 for the 10K, $20 for the fun run
More info: gostlouis.org
Go! St. Louis (the sponsors of the St. Louis Marathon, not St. Louis' most awesome entertainment guide) is hosting its first spooky 10K and 1-mile fun run. Prizes awarded to best costumes.

PurpleStride St. Louis
When: 9 a.m. Sunday
Where: Upper Muny Parking Lot, Forest Park
How much: $30
More info: pancan.org/purplestrideSL09
Runners and their dogs are welcome at this 5K to fight pancreatic cancer. Hathead Jones performs after the race.