Niles is the place to be this weekend as several different organizations are hosting fall-themed activities designed for the entire family.

The fun begins Saturday afternoon with the Niles Noon Optimist Clubs’ third annual Great Pumpkin Race at the Dey Street hill behind the Niles-Buchanan YMCA.

As the race is going on, the YMCA will be hosting a variety of children’s games, including a costume contest sponsored by the Friends of the Niles District Library at 3 p.m.

The fun continues with safe trick-or-treating at 4 p.m. on Main Street in downtown Niles.

 

Great Pumpkin Race

The Great Pumpkin Race is a chance for people to race pumpkins on wheels down the Dey Street hill for a chance to win glory and prizes.

Registration is from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Niles-Buchanan YMCA, located at 905 N. Front St.

Pumpkins will be judged based on their design/looks at 12:30 p.m. and the race begins at 1 p.m.

Trophies will be awarded to the person with the “pumpkin only a mother could love,” “best engineered,” “scariest” and “cutest.”

Participants can pick up a pumpkin racer kit at the YMCA for $10, which includes entry fee, pumpkin and the supplies needed to build a racer. Receive $5 back upon returning the wheels and axles.

Those preferring to build their own pumpkin racer can use their own supplies. Entry fee is $10.

More information, including a full list of rules, can be found online at nilespumpkinrace.com. People can also register online.

 

Costume Contest/YMCA Fall Festival

The costume contest will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. at the YMCA. Registration closes at 3 p.m. and winners will be announced at 3:50 p.m.

A $20 book store gift certificate will be awarded for each winner in the following categories: cutest, scariest, funniest, most heroic, most creative and book characters.

Age divisions are: 0-4, 5-8 and 9-12.

Also, a variety of fun children’s games and activities will be offered at the YMCA from 1 to 4 p.m.

 

Trick or treat

Downtown Niles businesses will hand out candy to children from 4 to 5 p.m.

Participating businesses in the annual safe trick-or-treating event can be found along Main Street.

Also, Niles Noon Optimist Club will be giving out 1,000 helium-filled balloons to children.

Anyone interested in helping fill the balloons should gather at 127 Main St. (the Gallery Building) at 1:30 p.m. People are also needed to hand out candy.