OCEAN PINES/BERLIN — Continuing a tradition going as far back as 1995, the Ocean Pines Association Recreation and Parks Department will once again hold its annual Halloween Fall Festival at White Horse Park on Saturday, October 27.

From 1-4 p.m., a multitude of free, family friendly activities will be on premise while Doug Rupple, better known as DJ Rupe, provides musical entertainment throughout the day.

Among the free activities are carnival games, face painting, arts & crafts and a children's costume contest.

Categories are separated into ages of 0-2, 3-5, 6-9 and 10 and older.

While there is no specific maximum cut-off age, Eric Armstrong, recreation supervisor of the Recreation and Parks Department, asks for adult costume-wearers to watch the contest from the sidelines.

"While we don't have a cut-off age, the contest is for the children," Armstrong said.

Prizes will be a giveaway bag filled with candy bars, games, stickers and more.

Also at no cost, a hay ride will travel through the spooky forests of Ocean Pines.

New this year, Armstrong said story tellers will accompany guests throughout the ride.

At a small price, moon bounces and pony rides will also give children plenty of entertainment all day.

Donations of individually-wrapped candy will be accepted during the hours of 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Monday through Saturday.

For more information, or to volunteer for the event, call 410-641-7052.

A coalition of 10 local congregations under a group called Berlin Area Ministries United have volunteered to offer children the opportunity to wear costumes and enjoy the Halloween spirit a little early this month. The eighth annual Harvest Fair, a free and family-friendly affair, will be held Sunday, Oct. 28, at the SonRise Church property off Route 575.

“We want this to be a blessing for the community while giving children a safe place to celebrate Halloween,” said Pastor Bryan Pugner of The Worship Center.

From 5-8 p.m., families are invited to dress in costume, as long as it’s nothing too startling for the children, while enjoying a number of activities such as carnival rides, live music, pony and hay rides, inflatable courses, and more.

A few large carnival rides will be provided by both Jolly Rodger Amusement Park and Trimper’s Rides and Amusements.

Live music will be performed throughout the day by three local religious groups.

The band from SonRise Church will play classic-rock inspired tunes. Local gospel rapper Chris Fawley will also perform, as well as the duo S.A.I.N.T. and MYK of Dover, Del.

Several area businesses will provide food, and door prizes to be given out at the end of the night. Anyone registering for door prizes must be present for the drawings.

The Harvest Fair used to be celebrated on every Halloween, but the event has become so large, organizers do not want to interfere with childrens’ trick-or-treating plans this year.

“Last year, we had 6,000 people come and we are planning for more than 7,000 this year,” said Pastor Jerry Wade of SonRise Church.

Members of BAMU include Holy Trinity Cathedral, Berlin First Baptist Church, Refreshing Fountains Ministries, Buckingham Presbyterian Church, SonRise Church, Coastal Sanctuary Church, the River Church of the Nazarene, CrossWay Church, The Worship Center and St. Paul United Methodist Church.

The SonRise Church property is located at 10959 Worcester Highway, also known as Route 575.