Spooky and fun events at the Westlake Rec

A youngster compares the before and after of a pumpkin craft during last year's Fall Festival at the Westlake Rec Center. Photo by Ann Hollows

Fall has arrived and the Westlake Recreation Department is ready to go. Three special events are on the calendar so stop on in and register before the leaves fall and you are left holding the rake!

First up is our third annual Spooktacular Scarecrow Contest. For $20 you will receive the wood frame and straw. The rest is up to you. Deadline to register is Sept. 30, and then on Saturday, Oct. 3, you will stop in and pick up your supplies from the Recreation Department. Take them home and get your scarecrow together. Return your assembled scarecrow to the Recreation Department by Oct. 15 for display and judging.

The annual Fall Festival & Pumpkin Hunt will be held on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 1-4 p.m. on the grounds of the Westlake Recreation Center. Come for this fun-filled festival for ages 9 and younger with a pumpkin hunt, face painters, hay rides, refreshments and more fun and games than you can imagine. Stop in and register now!

The  Trick or Treat Trail is back and bigger than ever. Starting at 7 p.m. and lasting until 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, participants can walk the Trick or Treat trail. The trail will have numerous decorated areas and scary scenes. Along the way families can trick-or-treat at various stations. All family members must be registered in order to participate. Cost is $3 for children and $4 for adults. Advance registrations are requested; however, we will take registrations the night of until 8:30 p.m. We encourage all participants to dress up as well and try to scare our ghosts and goblins. All areas are appropriate for all ages.

For more information about these events, or to register, visit www.cityofwestlake.org/recreation/index.aspx or by stop by the Recreation Center at 28955 Hilliard Blvd.