By KRISTI MAYFIELD

kmayfield@oakdaleleader.com

Orange pumpkins and the sumptuous smells of fall abound as we enter sweater weather season. It’s a great time to step out and enjoy some of the special offerings at the upcoming Oakdale Autumn Gathering, which is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 5 at Kerr Park. Hours for the event at 840 N. Stearns Road will be from noon to 9 p.m.; there will be something for everyone including a Kid Zone, entertainment and laser show.

Admission is free for the entire family and there will be more than 40 vendors along with various local businesses including: Seed 2 Cup Coffee, Waffle Bros. and Sourdough & Co. Local musicians Jamie Byous will perform from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; with Neil Buettner scheduled from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and the Wet Bandidos wrapping up the performances from 5:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. for your listening pleasure.

Why now?

Gathering organizer Brody Lev said, “We wanted to celebrate our local community and we also wanted to celebrate our one-year business anniversary.”

Lev explained that after he started a business about a year ago, Oakdale Party Rentals, which rents everything from stage lights to speakers, he wanted to share his love for the local community while also bringing people together to enjoy a day of fall fun and festivities. Lev and his company are putting on a laser show which will begin at 8 p.m. and he is looking forward to sharing some of the exciting things that his company offers.

All proceeds from the Autumn Gathering will go to local food banks to help purchase Thanksgiving meals for the community.

For more information, visit: www.oakdaleautumn.com