FAIRBORN — The air is cooling, the leaves are crisping and the sun is sinking below the horizon earlier and earlier each evening — fall is here and the Fairborn Parks and Recreation Department is hosting events in spirit of the season throughout October.

To register for any of these programs, pick up a form and drop off a check at the Fairborn Parks and Recreation Office, 461 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Road; the City of Fairborn Government Center, 44 W. Hebble Ave. or by calling 937-754-3090.

Spooktacular Costume Judging and Parade

Join the annual costume contest and judging during Fairborn’s annual Halloween Festival 6-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20 at the Fairborn YMCA, 300 S. Central Ave. Costume categories range in age from birth through adult and include family, animal, couple and scariest. No pre-registration is required. The parade starts at 7:30 p.m. and proceeds from the Fairborn YMCA down Central Avenue to Main Street, ending at the main festival stage.

Family Fun Pumpkin Carving

The Fairborn Parks and Recreation Division is inviting citizens to get creative as it is offering all the supplies needed to carve a pumpkin — plus one pumpkin per registration from 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24 at the Fairborn Senior Center, 325 N. Third St. Costs $5 to participate and is limited to 40 participants. Pumpkin carving is open to individuals of all ages, but children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Owleen Painting

Terri Perkins, owner of Terri Lynn Art Studio and Gallery, is inviting children aged 5 years and up to her studio as she guides them through a painting that will display an owl looking down at a pumpkin patch under a bright moon and bats in the night sky on an eight-by-10 canvas. She suggests participants wear old clothing as acrylic paint, what participants will be using, will stain. It takes place 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25 at the studio, 415 W. Main St. Participation costs $15 which covers all supplies. Individuals must be registered by Tuesday, Oct. 24.