Crisp mornings and autumn leaves usher in the season of fall festivals, frights and fundraisers.

Experience spooky thrills in the Haunted House at the community center gym Friday and Saturday, Oct. 24 and 25, from 7 to 9 p.m.

Creator Damon Roher has been working six to eight months planning, designing and constructing an even bigger layout with new scares for this year.

“When I lived in upstate New York, people really got into fall, with pumpkin patches and corn mazes. It was a whole atmosphere during Halloween. That’s where I developed my love of all things spooky.”

While Roher is the mastermind and head builder, he is always looking for more volunteers. He estimates needing 100 volunteer hours for setup. Last year there were 22 volunteers assisting with building and guiding people through the house, and he could use at least that this year. Anyone interested can call him at 907-305-0844.

This year’s setting is a witch’s cabin, and people will be guided through a variety of rooms. Roher said it’s recommended for 8- or 9-years-old and up. “It’s meant to be scary, but not traumatizing.”

Entrance is by donation, with all proceeds supporting The Salvation Army’s youth programs.

For those looking for pumpkins to transform into jack-o’-lanterns, the annual pumpkin patch and harvest festival is planned for 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Nolan Center.

As part of the chamber of commerce’s plan to turn over management of several events to community groups, St. Frances Animal Rescue and the Nolan Center will host this year’s pumpkin patch — and have expanded it to include a larger harvest festival.

In addition to the patch, where pumpkins will be for sale, a variety of nonprofit and fundraising organizations will have booths and tables at the afternoon festival, offering foods and activities.

Friends of the Wrangell Museum will offer facepainting; the Head Start parents committee will have cotton candy, popcorn, hot chocolate and a cake walk; Close Up will be selling baked goods; supporters of the wrestling team will sell pizza.

The Girl Scouts will have funnel cakes, and Wrangell Burial Assistance will run a children’s game.

Jeanie Arnold, Nolan Center director, said they are working to make the afternoon a fun-filled time for the whole family. She also noted there is still room for other groups to participate: Contact coordinator Amber Wade at 907-874-3770 or email awade@wrangell.com.

Joan Sargent, the lead shelter volunteer and adoption coordinator for St. Frances, said she appreciates the support of City Market and IGA in ordering pumpkins, and AML for donating the freight.

“This is a fundraiser for St. Frances, as well as a wonderful community tradition.”

St. Frances will also host the chili feed that same day, beginning at 11 a.m. and running to 4 p.m. at the Nolan Center. “That has traditionally been a major fundraiser for St. Frances,” said Sargent. The 2025 fundraising goal for the organization, which provides financial assistance for spay and neuter services, and rehoming for cats and dogs, is $5,000.

A general community market is planned for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Nolan Center. Call 907-874-3770 to reserve a table.

Harbor Light Assembly of God Church has sponsored a harvest celebration for more than 25 years, with contributions from City Market and IGA. Offering a safe, family-friendly environment, it will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31 in the community center gym. The event is free.

Children and teens are invited to show off their costumes or come as they are for an evening of games, bouncy castles, hot dogs, popcorn and prizes.