Melvern’s Riverfront Park and Trails, said to be haunted with the ghosts of lost mountain bikers, will be open to those brave enough to hike the Haunted Trail this Saturday.

With the first freeze arriving last week, there’s no doubt it’s fall in Osage County. Another sign of the change of season is that annual fall festivals around the county began as September ended. This Saturday will be more celebration of the new season with the annual Melvern Pride Fall Festival (always scheduled for the last Saturday in October before Halloween). An evening trek down the haunted trail will begin Halloween celebration for those with a little courage and strong hearts.

A highlight of the festival will be the craft fair, which will be open 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Melvern Community Center.

Other activities get under way at 10:30 a.m. with the start of the horseshoe pitching tournament at City Park. Competitors will draw for their partner in the double elimination horseshoe tournament.

At 1 p.m. will be a costume parade, featuring preschool through fifth-grade students, followed by hayride with a parent or guardian.

At 2 p.m., a turkey shoot will begin at the City Park basketball court. Although no turkeys will be shot during the event, a turkey will be awarded to the champion in each division. This event is an adult and child basketball free throw shooting contest. Teammates will add their scores together and compete against other teams within their division. Adults may team up with multiple children. The entry fee is three non-perishable food items to be given to a local charity.

A ham and beans dinner will begin at 5 p.m. at the community center, with alternate soup choices available.

After the bean feed, from 7:30-9:30 p.m., hayrides will begin at the community center, with riders dropped off at the Haunted Trail (suggested donation $4) at Riverfront Park and Trails. At the river park hot dogs, chips and drinks will be available, followed by a ride back to Melvern Community Center.