Ready to make a jack-o-lantern?

Pumpkins of all shapes and sizes will be available for picking at Aloun Farms today, tomorrow, next Saturday and Oct. 31. But the Eighth Annual Great Kapolei Pumpkin Picking Patch offers lots more than pumpkins. Hayrides, pony rides, farm-style food, picture booths and games are among the highlights. In addition to pumpkins, you can also pick your own buckets of sweet corn and sweet onions.

Aloun Farms is located at 91-1440 Farrington Highway. Admission to the patch is $1; children under 2 get in free. Pumpkins are priced according to size. Additional fees are charged for games, food and entertainment. Cash only.

Celebrate Halloween at Market City

Market City Shopping Center is hosting a Halloween Costume Parade this evening.

Children are welcome to participate in the safe, guided trick-or-treating parade through the shopping center. Participating merchants will hand out treats, and Alex Chong Photography will take complimentary photos of the children.

The parade begins at 6:30 p.m., and photos will be taken from 6 to 7 p.m. Market City Shopping Center is at 2919 Kapiolani Blvd.

Illustrator to sign book for children

Get in the carnival spirit with the locally produced book "Lio the Carousel Horse" ($14.95, BeachHouse Publishing) at book-signing events with illustrator Ruth Moen at 1 p.m. today at Barnes & Noble, Kahala Mall. There will be free bags of cotton candy and coloring sheets for kids at each book signing.

Other book signings are noon Nov. 13 at Borders, Ward Warehouse; 11 a.m. Nov. 20 at Barnes & Noble, Ala Moana; and noon Nov. 27 at Borders, Waikele.

The story follows the adventures of a carousel horse that breaks free from the carnival and tries out being a police horse, a pa’u horse, a polo pony and a paniolo horse, among other things, before returning home to its spot on the carousel.

Museum plans day for keiki

The sixth annual Kids Fest takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow at Bishop Museum. The free family event strives to promote a healthful lifestyle through interactive games and activities.

Stations include a teddy bear clinic, a keiki ID booth, a tent with healthy snacks for kids, a keiki asthma booth, a sun safety booth and more. Meet Tucker the Therapy Dog, Ronald McDonald and Chris Da Clown; enjoy free admission to the Bishop Museum’s exhibits, including "Creatures of the Abyss"; and take part in a warm-up session with Bryan Clay and athletes from the University of Hawaii. Emergency response vehicles will be on museum grounds for kids to explore. Free snacks are available while supplies last.

Call 522-3469 for information.

Kaiser offers Community Fun Day

The whole family is invited to Kaiser Permanente’s Community Fun Day tomorrow in Waipio.

Besides entertainment by Na Leo and food, there will be interactive games, keiki activities and giveaways, including the chance to win a neighbor island trip.

Health educators, nurses and physicians from Kaiser will be on hand to answer questions and share information on nutrition, exercise and disease prevention.

The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Kaiser’s Waipio Clinic, 94-1480 Moaniani St.

For terrifying togs, try tie-dye

Create shirts with a Halloween theme next Saturday at a Halloween tie-dye workshop. Stir Crazy Designs will present two sessions, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 to 5 p.m., at 371 Ilimalia Loop in Kailua. All ages are welcome, but children 6 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

An array of dyes and paints will be available for participants. Cost is $17 (all materials included) or $12 (bring your own shirt). Additional shirts can be purchased for $5. For reservations, call Wendy Rosen at 220-5691 or e-mail wrosen@ hawaii.rr.com.