WYANDOTTE — The city is celebrating fall next weekend in a big way.

Most of the events take place Friday, but this year there's an extra bonus day. The city's 16th annual Autumn Festival kicks off at 5:30 p.m. and goes until 8:30 p.m., with activities on Elm Street off Biddle Avenue.

One activity that should interest children is the Wyandotte Jaycees pumpkin-decorating contest. The Jaycees will give away pumpkins to the first 200 kids at their children's craft section.

Wyandotte youths from age 2 to 10 can participate in the contest by picking up a pumpkin at Autumn Fest and then decorating it on site, using paint, glue and paste. Leave the knives at home as no carving is allowed.

Contestants will then be asked to return their decorated pumpkins to City Hall, 3131 Biddle Ave., by 5 p.m. Oct. 22. Winners will be invited to an award presentation at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at the council chambers at City Hall. Certificates and prizes will be awarded.

Another highlight for children is the Barnyard Express, open from 5 to 7 p.m. The traveling petting farm features live farm animal shows that encourage audience participation in an educational and entertaining format.

Among the animals the petting farm features are a miniature horse, sheep, lambs, goats, a calf, rabbit, pigs and chickens. Free gift bags will be given out to the first 100 children who participate in the children's craft section.

At the same time, from 5 to 7 p.m. just down the street at 2070 Biddle Ave., the old Templin's Auto Shop, the Jaycees will hold the first of two Friendly Monster Days. The second will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 28.

Friendly Monster Days showcase the haunted house in a nonthreatening manner for children. The lights are on, masks are off and children receive a free treat at the end. The cost is $2 for children. Parents are free.

In addition to putting on the haunted house, Jaycees members will be on hand at Autumn Fest selling glow necklaces to help keep kids safe while trick or treating.

Also on Friday, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., the Wyandotte Museum is hosting an open house. Those participating in Third Friday events can board the trolley in front of White Furniture, 3025 Biddle Ave., for a short trip to the Ford-MacNichol Home, 2630 Biddle Ave., for a glimpse of Halloween evenings long past.

Enjoy the charm and fun of an Edwardian Halloween party and get some historical decorating ideas for your next event. Also, learn the customs of Victorian mourning as the museum displays a 19th century funeral in the parlor, using many artifacts from Thon Funeral Home, which is celebrating its 150th year in Wyandotte.

The Wyandotte Business Association's two-day event takes place next Friday and Saturday on First Street, between Oak and Maple.

The WBA is sponsoring the first-ever Fall Fest Craft Market, featuring 25 crafters, along with two food vendors. Elephant ears and candied apples will be on the menu.

Music on Friday will be provided by FOG, otherwise known as Four Old Guys "who sing the songs four old guys remember." A Saturday afternoon performance will feature a surprise local entertainer who just cut a record deal in Nashville.

Special sales, events and art openings will take place all over town during the two-day period.

•For more information about the Wyandotte Business Association event, call 1-734-324-4514 or e-mail WBA@wyan.org.