The Norwitch Fall Festival returns on Saturday, October 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Norwich's East and West Parks. The day's festivities will include more than 100 local vendors, music by Grady Thompson, the Norwich Family YMCA Halloween Parade and costume contest at 11 a.m., the first annual Pet Costume Contest at noon, hay rides from the Waite Family from noon to 3 p.m., and much more. (Photo from the Norwich Family YMCA Facebook page)

NORWICH — The Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) is hosting the fourth annual Norwitch Fall Festival from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in East and West Park in Norwich on Saturday, October 26, in conjunction with the final Saturday in the Park with Chobani of the season.

The festival will include more than 100 local vendors with products ranging from clothing, flowers, produce, baked goods, pet accessories, artworks, coffee, honey and beeswax, scented candles, 3D-printed items, and more, as well as a variety of local organizations and nonprofits.

"Saturday in the Park and the Norwitch Fall Festival will be kind of one and the same. We’ll have of course the princesses, and we’ll have a hay ride. We’ll have the Columbus Public House chicken barbecue and the YMCA will have the parade that day. We’ll have a children's section, like a little bounce house. We’ll also have Trunk or Treat that day," said BID Board Member Mindy Chawgo. "There's a lot going on."

Visitors can get into the Halloween spirit with the Norwich Family YMCA Halloween Parade at 11 a.m. The parade is open to schools, businesses, clubs, churches, organizations, marching bands, fire and police departments, families, and more.

Individuals who would like to participate in the costume contest portion of the parade can do so by writing any random number they'd like on a white piece of paper and attaching it to their back, then walking slowly past the judge's stand while showing their number.