Though temperatures this week are definitely more in line with the heart of summer, city officials in both Oakdale and Riverbank are already gearing up for the arrival of fall and Halloween.

In Oakdale, officials note that the annual Halloween Parade and Festival is rolling out a new time for this year, offered from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., on Saturday, Oct. 31. Events will include the parade along West G Street, ending at the Bianchi Community Center Plaza, where there will be carnival games, vendors, free hot dogs, popcorn and a costume contest for all ages.

The earlier start time will allow for families to join in this popular community event early in the afternoon and then head out for their traditional neighborhood trick or treating later on.

Riverbank officials, meanwhile, are planning the Floating Pumpkin Patch at the Community Pool for Saturday, Sept. 26 from noon to 4 p.m.; the pool is at 6649 Seventh St., Riverbank. Attendees can enjoy an afternoon of pumpkin picking, a caramel apple bar, fall crafts, lawn games, music provided by a DJ, and swimming.

The popular Haunted Hayride is back for two nights, Friday, Oct. 23 and Saturday, Oct. 24 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., with the cost for adults $15, children 4 to 12, $10 and children three and under free, but must be seated on a lap during the ride to visit the scary sites.

Also, plans are underway for the seventh annual Dia de Los Muertos Celebration in Riverbank, set for Friday, Oct. 30 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Plaza del Rio.

Contact the city’s Parks and Recreation Department at 209-863-7150 for more information about these three upcoming events.