Giant pumpkins, professional carving and a chance to break out a Halloween costume are coming to downtown Fountain for the Harvest Games on Saturday.

The free event runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. around Fountain City Hall at 116 S. Main Street, with activities stretching from a giant vegetable weigh-off to an evening costume contest.

What does it cost?

Admission is free, with food trucks and vendors selling food, baked goods, crafts and other items.

There will be places to spend money if you choose to, organizer Joney Carneal said. Otherwise, the event itself to get here and come is completely free.

Watch the video report below: Fountain Harvest Games: What to know before you go

Whats on the schedule?

11 a.m.: Giant vegetable weigh-off featuring the Rocky Mountain Giant Vegetable Growers. Throughout the day: Professional pumpkin carving. 5 p.m.: Live music begins. 7 p.m.: Costume contest. 8 p.m.: Event ends.

Carneal recommends arriving early if seeing the giant pumpkins is your priority. Some will remain on display, but not all will stay for the entire event.

How do you visit the pumpkin patch?

Pumpkinpalooza joins the Harvest Games this year, offering families a free pumpkin and free professional family photos. Families should register for a time slot to help manage space in the patch. You can reserve a spot online.

Carneal recommends signing up online before arriving. On-site registration through a QR code is also planned.

Where can you park?

Part of Main Street in front of city hall will be closed for the event.

Carneal said parking options include nearby side streets, behind city hall and near the library, with overflow parking near Peaks N Pines Brewery.

Parking can be tight, so allow extra time to find a space and follow posted restrictions. Carneal said accessible parking spaces and access ramps will be available in the area.

She also recommends bringing a jacket if you plan to stay into the evening.

Watch the professionals carve

Professional pumpkin carvers Willy Tuz and David Smith are among the artists creating sculptures for the event. Both have appeared on Food Network.

For Tuz, seeing visitors react to the finished work is part of what keeps him carving.

The joy that we get, most of it, its seeing the face of people, seeing the smile that they give us, Tuz said.

Smith said an unusual pumpkin shape can help inspire a creation.

The pumpkin can actually do some of the work for you, he said.

Now in its sixth year, the event began as a street dance to bring families together after COVID. Community participation and sponsorships have helped it grow.

We want to have a place for our community to come to, to just be themselves, she said.

Find additional updates on Fountain Ups Facebook page.

If your ballot hasnt arrived, or youve filled it out and arent sure where to take it, El Paso County election officials have resources to help you take the next step.

Clerk and Recorder Steve Schleiker encourages voters to address problems early rather than wait until Election Day.

What if your ballot hasnt arrived?

Contact the El Paso County Elections Department at 719-575-VOTE (8683) or elections@elpasoco.com.

Schleiker said staff can check its status, cancel the original ballot, and issue a replacement.

If you recently moved, check or update your voter registration at GoVoteColorado.gov.

Can you still register?

Yes. Oct. 26 is the deadline to register or update your registration to have a ballot mailed to you.

After that, eligible voters can register and receive a ballot in person at a Voter Service and Polling Center through Election Day, Nov. 3.

So as long as youre in line, you know, on or before 7 p.m. on election night, youre gonna be able to participate, Schleiker said.

The Citizens Service Center at 1675 W. Garden of the Gods Road already offers in-person services. Additional centers open in phases beginning Oct. 19. Check locations and operating hours here.

Where do you return your ballot?

Before returning it, take your own ballot envelope and sign it. Each voters ballot needs its own envelope.

Your envelope is to you as a particular voter, dont put two ballots in one envelope, Schleiker said.

Return it at one of the countys 44 secure ballot drop boxes or an open Voter Service and Polling Center. Find drop-box addresses and vote center locations here.

If mailing your ballot, Schleiker recommends mailing it by Oct. 26. After that, use a drop box or vote center.

For voters returning a regular domestic mail ballot, it must be received by 7 p.m. Nov. 3. A postmark does not count.

How do you know it arrived?

Sign up for El Paso Countys BallotTrax to receive notifications when your ballot is mailed, received, and processed for counting.

For Schleiker, voting also carries a personal meaning.

Every time I vote is I am sitting here, um, honoring those that have basically sacrificed to protect that right.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Walkers and runners using the Greenway Trail in Monument Valley Park will need to take a different route while crews work on a historic bridge.

The temporary closure began Oct. 12 and is expected to last up to four weeks. It affects the west side of Monument Creek between the Duck Pond and the pickleball courts.

Crews need the space to use a crane to lift concrete deck panels into place on the 90-year-old Cache La Poudre Street/Mesa Road Bridge and perform other heavy construction.

For Brandon Eleuterio, who drives from Briargate about once a week to run, the park offers something he appreciates.

It gives me access to just some nice smooth dirt to run on, a nice soft surface, uh, and a little bit of nature inside the city, Eleuterio said.

The existing bridge closure has already changed his usual running route, but he said he has gotten used to taking another path.

How to get around the trail closure

The eastern leg of the Greenway Trail remains open, with an existing short pedestrian detour.

Heading south: Cross Monument Creek using the Uintah Street bridge. Heading north: Cross at the pedestrian bridge near the south end of the park.

Visitors can still reach the pickleball courts and Horticultural Art Society Demonstration Gardens by vehicle via Glen Avenue. The courts also remain accessible by trail from the south.

Asher Nofziger, a local resident, said the bridges road closure has made reaching parking and getting around the area more difficult. He looks forward to having that access restored.

I think itll be relieving, you know, getting rid of these road closed signs and being able to, you know, go where we want, Nofziger said.

Bridge construction began in April. Along with replacing the deck, crews are improving drainage and lighting and restoring the bridges Art Deco features.

The four-week estimate applies to the temporary trail closure. More information and a closure map are available on the citys project website.

Colorado Springs proposed 2027 budget includes about $91,000 to reopen park restrooms closed because of this years budget cuts. For families using the parks, that could mean more time outside and fewer trips elsewhere to find a bathroom.

Ten neighborhood park restrooms were kept closed for the 2026 season, including Golden Hills, Bonfort, Boulder, Dublin, Ford Frick, Golden Hills, Pion Valley, Sandstone, Thorndale, Wasson and Westmoor parks.

Dylon Myller, who visits parks with his 2-year-old son, said the closures have made it harder to find a private place to change his child.

It actually has dictated how long I will stay at a park, Myller said.

Watch the video report below: Colorado Springs proposes $91K to reopen park restrooms closed by budget cuts

He said restoring access would make him want to bring his son to parks more often to play and meet other kids.

Michele Wiesemann said her family visits parks every weekend for sports or relaxation. Bathroom availability helps determine where they go.

You might have to cut a practice short. You might have to cut your enjoyment outdoors short because you're going to have to get in the car, load everybody up, drive to a different bathroom, Wiesemann said.

She welcomes the proposed reopening but wants maintenance to remain a priority.

However, I do have the concern of what condition they would be in if we're using them and they're not being stocked, supplied, cleaned, she said.

Wiesemann suggested regular checks, keeping toilet paper and hand-cleaning supplies available and locking restrooms after park hours. She also encourages parents to accompany children into public restrooms to check the facilities. Those suggestions are her recommendations, rather than confirmed measures in the budget proposal.

The funding still needs city council approval. A reopening date has not been confirmed.

Residents can review the proposed budget at ColoradoSprings.gov/Budget.

Last years Halloween costume may not fit anymore, but finding a different one doesnt have to mean buying something new.

Deerfield Hills Community Center is holding a free costume exchange Friday, Oct. 9, from 4 to 6 p.m. at 4290 Deerfield Hills Road in southeast Colorado Springs.

The event is open to everyone, with no registration or ticket required. Families do not need to donate a costume to receive one. Organizers say there are options for infants through adults, and even pets. Plus accessories to help complete an outfit.

Learn More About the Event in the Video Player Below Free costume exchange helps Colorado Springs families get ready for Halloween

For rec assistant Ronaleen Brown, the exchange is about taking some pressure off families whose budgets are already stretched.

Are we gonna pay a bill? Are we gonna get food first and, um, are we going to get a costume, Brown said. We're trying to take that stressor off.

The costumes come from donations, other community centers, Christmas Unlimited and additional costumes purchased by staff. Neighbors have also been dropping off outfits their families no longer need.

In times of hardships people can either pull away from each other or they can grow stronger together, said Dani Finau, a member of the centers support staff. What I have seen is that people are pulling together.

Organizers hope children find something they are excited to wear while families get a chance to connect. Games, hot cocoa and cider will also be available.

Rec assistant Rosalia Alvarez said she hopes children feel welcome and comfortable approaching staff, whether they are visiting for the first time or returning to the center.

Families who cannot attend can call 719-385-5996 to ask about remaining costumes and arrange a pickup. Staff say they will wash donated costumes and save them for next years exchange.

Picking the pumpkin might be the easy part, but before you load up the family for a trip to Venetucci Farm, it helps to plan for the cost, the activities and getting that pumpkin back to your car. Great Pumpkin Weekend is Oct. 1011, with Charlie Brown-inspired activities added to the farms regular fall offerings.

WATCH: Heading to Venetucci Farm? What to know before your pumpkin patch trip

Heading to Venetucci Farm? What to know before your pumpkin-patch trip

Plan your arrival

Venetucci Farm is at 5210 S. U.S. Highway 85 in Colorado Springs. Pumpkin Fest hours are 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays, and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Tickets are available online or at the gate. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing, and visitors must leave by closing time. venetuccifarm.org

Nikki McComsey, owner of Gather Mountain Blooms at Venetucci Farm, recommends about an hour to an hour and a half for the main activities. Leave more time if you want to eat or shop.

Know what admission covers

Admission is $8 for ages 4 and older. Children 3 and younger enter free.

McComsey said that includes the hayride, ball pit and hay pyramid. Pumpkins cost extra, but the price is the same regardless of size or color. Food, drinks and purchases from vendors are separate, too.

What to bring

The farm recommends bringing your own wagon, stroller or backpack to carry pumpkins. Only a limited number of wagons and wheelbarrows are available.

For an outdoor farm visit, practical choices include comfortable walking shoes, layers, sun protection and checking the forecast before leaving home.

Credit cards, Apple Pay and cash are accepted. Leave pets at home for Great Pumpkin Weekend; service animals are allowed.

Whats different this weekend?

Great Pumpkin Weekend adds a pumpkin-weight guessing contest and a Charlie Brown reading nook. McComsey said visitors are encouraged to wear Charlie Brown gear or orange to join the theme.

Pumpkin-themed drinks, including Bristol Brewings Venetucci Pumpkin Ale for adults, are also planned.

Why those visits matter

For McComsey, families coming back helps keep a working farm going and gives another generation a chance to make memories.

Its really hard making farms continue to exist, she said. They only exist from people coming out to support them.

Find tickets and the latest visitor information at Venetucci Farm and Gather Mountain Blooms.

We're in the thick of homecoming dances in our area, and if your closet still doesnt have the answer, theres shopping to do. But looking good for the night doesnt have to mean spending big.

During a visit to Platos Closet in Colorado Springs, store manager Tess Bray walked News 5 through clothing options and prices, from dresses and heels to shirts and pants.

The challenge: put together a complete look while keeping an eye on the total.

Budget for the whole outfit

Start with what you can spend on everything you need, including shoes and accessories.

Bray showed dresses priced at $12 to $14, along with a $10 black dress. Some heels were priced at $9 or $10, leaving room in the budget for other finishing touches.

For my look, a $10 shirt, $18 pants and $12 shoes brought the total to $40 before tax.

Those were the prices we found during our visit. Available items, sizes and styles can change.

Be flexible with the look

If you cant find the exact outfit you pictured, try putting it together with different pieces.

Bray suggested pairing a corset top with a skirt or pants as an alternative to a dress. The store also had polos, button-ups and sweaters for shoppers considering other styles.

Try it on before checking out

I always recommend trying them on. Thats the best way to figure out if the items gonna work for you or not, Bray said.

Check the fit, buttons and zippers. Bray also suggested having someone take a photo or short video so you can see how the outfit looks and moves.

She said the store allows returns within seven days and advised shoppers to keep their receipt and leave tags attached until they decide to keep an item.

Short on time? Call ahead

Bray said shoppers can call with their size and an idea of what they want. Staff can look for options and set them aside to try on. Items can be held until the end of that day. Before heading to checkout, give the whole look a test run, and make sure it fits both you and your budget.

Before you talk yourself out of applying for a college scholarship, Aliya and Sawyer Newell have a message: "give yourself a chance."

Both students received the Daniels Scholarship, a four-year program that can help cover college expenses and provides support beyond paying the bills. Neither expected to be selected.

With applications open through Oct. 15 at 4 p.m. Mountain Time, here is what students and families need to know.

What is the Daniels Scholarship?

Josh Green, senior vice president of the scholarship program at the Daniels Fund, said the organization aims to select about 200 students each year.

Watch Jaylen Lee's video report below: Daniels Scholarship applications open: Who qualifies and why local students say to apply

The scholarship helps pay for tuition, housing, meals, books and other educational expenses. At partner schools, including UCCS, Colorado College and CSU Pueblo, funding from the Daniels Fund and the institution combines to cover up to the full cost of attendance.

Recipients can attend other accredited colleges and universities in the United States, but funding varies. At non-partner schools outside Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming, students can receive up to $25,000 per year. At non-partner schools within those states, the maximum is $7,500 per year.

Green said each scholar also has a scholar success officer who helps them navigate college and connect with opportunities such as internships.

Who can apply?

Applicants must:

Be graduating high school seniors residing in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah or Wyoming. Be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Have an unweighted GPA of at least 3.0. Have an ACT score of at least 18 in each category, or SAT scores of at least 490 in both math and reading and writing. Meet financial requirements: household adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less on the 2025 tax return claiming the applicant as a dependent, with $10,000 more allowed for each additional dependent. Other assets are also reviewed.

Green said selection goes beyond grades and school activities. Working through high school or caring for a loved one can also help tell an applicant's story.

Every kid has a unique story, Green said.

Why take the chance?

Aliya, now a pre-med student at UCCS, planned to start at community college to keep costs down. She did not apply to a university until she advanced to the scholarship's second round.

My counselor made me do it and I was like, I'm wasting my time, she said. Like I said, small town kids like me don't get big opportunities like that.

Helping care for her father, who is paralyzed from the neck down, inspired her interest in medicine. This summer, the scholarship program connected her with an internship at Craig Hospital, where her father received rehabilitation.

I always wanted to go back there and work and give back, she said.

For Newell, a Colorado College student studying business and competing on the swim team, the scholarship eased the pressure of paying for school.

Before college, I would have had to take out a loan, Newell said.

Instead, he said, he could focus on his education and train for the swim team without the same financial worry.

Give yourself a chance because maybe someone sees something in you that you don't, Newell said.

How to apply

Start with the online application, which asks about your grades, finances and background. Students who advance complete additional steps, including essays and interviews. Green said the new class is typically announced in late March.

He encouraged students to apply early rather than risk technical problems at the deadline.

Review the full requirements and apply through the Daniels Fund website. Applications close Oct. 15 at 4 p.m. Mountain Time.