Halloween is a week away and, no doubt, kids are already trying to find excuses to wear their costumes.

Fear not, parents, the City of Calhoun has just the thing to rescue you from the growing mutiny.

On Saturday, Oct. 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the city, along with the Calhoun Downtown Development Authority, will be hosting Harvest Fest, a carnival/farmer’s market event to usher in the Halloween season.

The event will be located downtown and will feature more than 60 vendors, along with food, games and live music. Admission is free.

“We wanted something to bring folks downtown,” said Suzanne Roland, director of the Calhoun Downtown Development Authority. “(And) the merchants wanted to give something back to the community for their patronage.”

Members of the Calhoun and Gordon County Antique Engine and Tractor Club will offer tractor rides around downtown for festival attendees.

Rockbridge Community Church will provide “bouncy houses” for kids to enjoy, Roland said.

Some of the vendors for this year’s event include: a glass blower, leather workers, wooden toy makers and crochet artists, to name a few.

Some food items include: barbecue, hot dogs, chili and pizza made on a brick oven.

There will also be a pie-eating contest and a costume contest.

Live entertainment will be provided all day and acts include The Nathan Sexton Band, Greg Moyer and Audi Burchett and Backroad Soul.

Roland advises patrons to park away from downtown and catch a tractor ride to the festivities.

However, she said parking is available at the train depot and city hall and other locations downtown.

The regular Halloween, trick-or-treat event downtown is scheduled on Oct. 31 from 4 p.m. to 5:30.

For more information call 706-602-5570 or email SRoland@calnet-ga.net