Even the trees are cooperating with the timing of the festival by displaying their autumnal colors early this year. Leaf peepers will not be disappointed.

Explore Downtown, Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry and the city of Warren have partnered together to bring the family oriented festival back again this year.

“It’s a great way to bring downtown businesses together,” said organizer Kassie Damcott. “New businesses moved in that want to be involved. There’s been a lot of change over. New owners give new life to old businesses.” Damcott credits the success of the still young Explore Downtown Warren program to business and community members that are truly willing to invest their time, work hard and make community connections.

Beginning at 7 p.m. today, Oct. 3, First Friday activities will kick off the festival. Again this year the children at Jefferson DeFrees Family Center will make and display their fall art projects in the windows of downtown businesses. Friday’s entertainment includes Music at the fountain provided by The Music Conservatory, buskers performing along the street and Mandy Moon’s hula-hoopers delighting onlookers on Second Avenue. Enjoy another look at the Scarecrows from September’s First Friday competition that are still on display.

Times Observer photo by Ann-Marie Gariepy Fall Foliage Festival organizer Kassie Damcott is pictured.

Festival fun starts at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, with family fun for all ages the Tybout House, Chloe’s Creamery and Stonehill Chocolate planning activities throughout the day. Woofington Dog Park will be set up on Second Avenue along with other organizations and artisan vendors. Vendor overflow from Second Avenue will be in the Midtown Lot along with the Farmer’s Market. Have you ever wanted to float a rubber duck in the fountain? Free Books for Kids will be handing out ducks for that purpose.

A short, picturesque walk across the Hickory Street bridge will lead attendees to Crescent Park and the Trail of Treats. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., non-profit organizations and community members will line the walking trail along the river to pass out treats. An estimated 300 participants walked the trail last year. Costumes are optional but welcome. With treat bags donated by Pennsylvania General Energy the trail begins at the park and goes toward the bridge. All ages are welcome to participate in this sensory friendly, non-scary event.

Zonta Club of Warren will once again feature the Red Sand Project at the Healing Garden at Crescent Park. Everyone in the community is encouraged to attend and participate.

For more information, visit the event’s page on Facebook.