With the calendar indicating we have entered fall, the city’s Parks and Recreation Department started off its series of autumn activities this past weekend … at the city swimming pool.

Temperatures soared into the mid-90s for the event.

On Saturday, Sept. 28, the department hosted a Floating Pumpkin Patch at the pool, from noon to 4:30 p.m.

Youngsters and families were invited to jump into the pool to collect a pumpkin or two for use during the upcoming Halloween season.

Also, it was a fitting end to the extended swim season that finished over the weekend.

The next big activity downtown will be the Cheese and Wine Festival, a one-day event this year that is scheduled on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

A couple of weekends later, on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 25 and 26, aliens and assorted ghouls and goblins are expected to invade Jacob Myers Park, sure to be scaring those riding in the Haunted Hayride. Rides normally start at 7 p.m. and usually continue until about 10 p.m.

On Friday, the first day of November, Dia de los Muertos will be celebrated at the Plaza del Rio Park in downtown. That will run from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Jumping a little further ahead, on Saturday, Dec. 14, Riverbank will begin its Christmas Celebration with the return of the Crafts Faire to Third Street downtown. The faire is scheduled to run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., while the 54th edition of the Christmas Parade will travel down Santa Fe Street, beginning that day at 5:30 p.m.