By Tara Fischer

Staff Writer

The Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department will welcome residents for an afternoon of autumnal, spooky fun.

On Saturday, Oct. 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the OPA Recreation and Parks group is hosting a free Halloween/Fall Festival at White Horse Park. The event will feature costume competitions, face painting, a haunted house, carnival games, and food and refreshments sold by the Kiwanis Club.

“Witches and ghosts will be parading around as music fills the air,” a Facebook post by the OPA Rec and Parks Department reads.

The costume contests will be divided into age categories. The two and under group will compete at 11:30 a.m., three- to four-year-olds at noon, five- to seven-year-olds at 12:30 p.m., eight- to 10-year-olds at 1 p.m., 11- to 17-year-olds at 1:30 p.m., and the 18 and older crowd will spar off at 2 p.m.

The rec and parks department has requested volunteers for their “spooktacular” event. Individuals interested in helping can contact Debbie Donahue, the group’s director, at ddonahue@oceanpines.org or by calling 410-641-7052.

In keeping with the autumnal theme, OPA’s recreational group is hosting a Pumpkin-Painting Family Fun Night on Friday, Oct. 18, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Participants may bring their own pumpkin to decorate or purchase one from the recreation department for $6 upon arrival. A limited amount will be available.

Decorations and paint will be provided to attendees. The event is $5 for Ocean Pines residents and $6 for nonresidents. To register, contact 410-641-6057.