October is here! The annual Halloween Hoopla event is Saturday, Oct. 29, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come dressed in your best Halloween costume and join us in the annual parade through downtown Menlo Park to Fremont Park. The parade starts in the Maloney Street parking lot off Santa Cruz Avenue. Participants are asked to meet at the parade start by 11 a.m. After the parade, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., children are welcome to trick-or-treat at our downtown merchants who have displayed a trick-or-treat sign in their window. Enjoy crafts by Cheeky Monkey, live entertainment by magician Phil Ackerly, ventriloquist Jungle Joe and carnival games. Free trick-or-treat bags will be provided at Fremont Park for all children. New this year, participants of all ages are encouraged to participant in a pumpkin carving contest. Pumpkins will be judged and awarded prizes for scariest pumpkin, happiest pumpkin, funniest pumpkin, most creative pumpkin and best overall pumpkin. There is an opportunity to win some fabulous prizes. Individuals wishing to participate in the pumpkin carving contest must complete on online entry form and pay the $10 entry fee for each pumpkin by 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 28.