Which is the Care Bear and which is the pumpkin? Participants in Saturday’s Great Pumpkin Race are encouraged to get creative when making their pumpkin racers. Submitted photo

With Halloween just around the corner, the Niles Noon Optimist Club is getting its engines revved for the city’s first Great Pumpkin Race.

“I want everyone there and having a good time because this is something that could really be a lot of fun,” said Betty Arndt at Tuesday’s Optimist Club meeting at the Bell Building in Niles.

The race begins at noon Saturday at the Bell Building near the intersection of Sycamore and N. 4th Street, downtown Niles.

People can register before the race onsite, or register online at nilespumpkinrace.com. Race-day registration is from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

There are two ways to play: classic and freestyle.

Those choosing classic will pick up a kit with axles, wheels and a pumpkin at the Bell Building from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, or on the morning of the race. Cost is $20 for the first kit, $15 for two and $10 for three or more kits. The entry fee is covered when purchasing a kit.

Those choosing freestyle will create a pumpkin racer from scratch using their own supplies and pay a $10 entry fee. Rules for constructing a racer can be found at nilespumpkinrace.com. Pumpkin racers built outside of the rules will be destroyed by the “Mallet of Destruction,” Arndt said.

Prizes will be awarded for both categories, along with other prizes.

Pumpkins will race in heats down Sycamore Street.

Food and beverages will be available throughout the event.