This Saturday is the annual Big Rapids downtown Fall Fest event, put on by the Downtown Business Association and RE/MAX Together.

Here are 10 essential tips to prepare for the festivities:

1. Temperatures will be on the cooler side.
   • Starting around 10 a.m., conditions will be in the low 40s and gradually increase towards the 50s by 2 p.m. Skies project to be cloudy and a slim chain of rain is possible.
2. Michigan Avenue will be blocked off.
   • Michigan Avenue will be closed between Linden Street and Grand Traverse Street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parking will be available on nearby streets and in adjacent lots.
3. The Skeleton Skurry 5K starts at 10 a.m.
   • The Skeleton Skurry 5K run/walk/roll begins at 10 a.m. near City Hall, with the course starting and finishing at the same location. Registration fees support Angels of Action. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers and for the best costume. Online registration is $33.85.
4. There will be a competitive pumpkin roll.
   • A pumpkin roll competition will take place at 11 a.m. near the Elks Lodge to benefit local nonprofits. The first-place winner receives a trophy and $500 to donate to the charity they represent; second place receives $350 and third place receives $150 for their chosen organizations.
5. Bring a team to pull a bus for charity.
   • The Mecosta Osceola Transit Authority and Area 5 Special Olympians will host a pull-a-bus charity event beginning at 10 a.m. in the City Hall parking lot. The cost is $25 per person or $250 for a team of up to 10. The team that pulls the bus 50 feet in the fastest time will receive a trophy.
6. Candy will be given out trunk-or-treat style.
   • Local businesses and organizations will distribute candy in a trunk-or-treat format along Michigan Avenue from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
7. There will be games and kids inflatables on site.
   • The kids' fun area returns, like years past, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Michigan Avenue. There will be inflatables and festive games for kids and the whole family to participate.
8. Downtown businesses will be open.
   • Various doors will be open for food, retail, and shopping during the four-hour time period. Some stores may have seasonal or special day discounts.
9. Pie eating contest slated at 1 p.m.
   • A competitive pie-eating contest, hosted by RE/MAX, is scheduled for 1 p.m. Participants must eat their pies as quickly as possible without using their hands.
10. Food trucks and vendors will be present.
    • Other vendors and food trucks will be on Michigan Avenue between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. with various festive foods and other goods.