Forest Park schedules fall and winter events: Pawtoberfest, Pink Panther walk, Small Business awards and holiday parade

Director Dennis and other department heads outlined a slate of community events for the coming weeks and months, ranging from neighborhood festivals to business recognition. Dennis said the second annual Blues on Main was a success and that Public Works won the scarecrow contest. She announced Pawtoberfest on Oct. 25 at the fountain on Main with a pet parade, vendors and food trucks; she said last year about 20 dogs participated.

Dennis said staff are preparing materials for Small Business Saturday and tentatively scheduled the Forest Park Business Association breakfast awards for Dec. 5 to recognize businesses that obtained permits and milestone anniversaries. She also described a community holiday competition and new signage to show which downtown properties are available for development.

Recreation Director Maxwell announced the fourth annual Pink Panther breast-cancer-awareness walk (free; optional $5 T-shirt); a fall festival and "ultimate tailgate" on Nov. 1 with a costume contest and live performances; and a holiday extravaganza with a Christmas parade and tree lighting at Star Park on Dec. 6.

Public-safety events were also listed: Captain Skeleton said Boo Fest will be held Oct. 31 from 4–8 p.m. in the police-department parking lot; Chief Clemons said a police vs. fire softball game is scheduled for Oct. 21 at 5:30 p.m. at Star Park and the fire department will host its annual awards ceremony next Friday at the location she cited. Dates and some participant counts were provided during remarks; some event logistics (permits, vendor lists, road closures) were not specified at the meeting.

Organizers said more event details will be shared in forthcoming communications.