The festivities get under way at 5 p.m. and will wrap up at 7 p.m. The party will feature two live bands, a pumpkin drop, refreshments, arts and crafts and a costume march.

The pumpkin drop at the park, 2900 E. 3100 South, promises to make the biggest splat. Firemen will drop pumpkins from the hoisted bucket of their fire truck to see which will make the biggest spatter pattern. Children in attendance will have the privilege of cleaning up the mess.

Other activities include a spook alley for little kids, refreshments for all, a craft table for children, and a parade for children and children-at-heart of all ages. No preregistration is needed for the parade. Just show up in costume in time for the 6-o'clock march around the stage in the pavilion.

Participants also compete in the pumpkin-decorating contest. Contestants should bring their pumpkins already decorated and carved.

"The purpose of the party is to bring our neighbors together to get to know one another and have a good time," says Rita Lund, a member of the volunteer committee organizing the event.

- Carol Shaw Lord