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Bring your alter-ego, your children and your parents, and a dog or two to Niwot's Great Pumpkin Party on Saturday, Oct. 26. The Niwot Business Association and Niwot Local Improvement District are hosting the 22nd annual masquerade party which includes door-to-door trick or treating at local businesses, a festive parade, and family-friendly entertainment from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Layered in crunchy orange and yellow leaves, stout pumpkins and scarecrows that make you do a double-take, 2nd Avenue becomes a pedestrian-only street for the celebration. Every year Downtown Niwot and fall-festooned Cottonwood Square Shopping Center come alive with the merriment of the autumnal season including wandering near-dead (zombies), those with heightened powers (super heroes), and a touch of royalty (princesses and kings).

Any garb, from sequins to rags will be acceptable when you walk the parade route or watch the spooktacular display, do a trick or snag a treat, and enjoy guaranteed giggles at the dog costume contest. The changing leaves, a shift to cooler air, and a variety of pumpkins donated by Charlie Nygren and Premier Mortgage Group along sidewalks have made Niwot feel undeniably fall-like.

Have an idea for a frightening or fun scarecrow? Families, individuals and clubs can win prizes for the most imaginative versions. Drop off the raggedy guy, gal or ghoul at Niwot Real Estate's office at 7915 Niwot Road prior to Saturday. All scarecrow entrants will be put on display around town.

Businesses all over town will hand out candy and other treats during the party from 10 a.m.to 2 p.m. Attend one or all of the magic shows performed by professional Ann Lincoln at 10:15 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. in Cottonwood Square Shopping Center and look for a craft table sponsored by Girl Scouts, location to be determined.

Get onboard a horse drawn wagon from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 pm. starting at the corner of Franklin Street and 2nd Avenue and enjoy an old-fashioned hayride around town. More four-footed critters will be hanging around the Niwot Real Estate building at an endearing farm animal petting zoo.

Karen Copperberg

The parade of inspired costumes worn by the young and old will begin at 11:30 a.m. Participants should assemble in the parking lot of Left Hand Corner Professional Suites, at the intersection of Niwot Road and 2nd Avenue.

Immediately following the parade, the hilarious dog costume contest sponsored by Left Hand Animal Hospital will take place in front of Old Oak Coffeehouse. Three dressed up dogs will be chosen as winners.

The annual Pumpkin Party tradition is the stuff of great memories for both kids and adults, and brings together the community in a fun and festive way. Niwot Real Estate owner Pat Murphy organizes the festivities each year. For more information, call her office at 303-652-2626