The Bay Walk Group of merchants is kicking off its first annual Art and Pumpkin Festival from Friday, Oct. 23 to Sunday, Oct. 25 at Fort Myers Beach. Recognizing that October is a magical time of year for children and those trying to transform themselves, they’re inviting festival goers to come to Times Square for a fun-filled weekend for the entire family.

The Bay Walk Group, which includes the Yucatan Beach Stand Bar & Grill, Smokin Oyster Brewery Snug Harbor Restaurant, Matanzas Inn and Restaurant, and Shipwreck Treasures expects 3,000 visitors ready to take their place among the contenders for the exciting and fun events contests planned over the course of the weekend .

The expectation is that folks will pick their pumpkins from one of the areas many pumpkin patches, bring it along to Bay Walk and enter it in the “Best Pumpkin” contest. That’s just one of many events scheduled for the three-day festival, which kicks off at 5 p.m. on Friday, with a “Decorated Light Post” contest.

The full schedule of events promises countless other activities including games, face painting, henna tattooing, a pumpkin pie eating contest, a “best pumpkin food” contest, hay rides and a fun zone complete with bounce houses.

Food and beverages, street vendors and plenty of music will be lining the streets of the Times Square area. Sand artists will be spinning their magic as they sand-sculpt pumpkins and symbols of fall.

Festival hours are Friday evening; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Event admission is free. Event planners are welcoming volunteers and sponsors. For more details visit www.pumpkinfestonthebeach.com

Bring canned goods for the Harry Chapin Food Bank. Cans can also be dropped off at the Beach Observer/Bulletin building at 19260 San Carlos Blvd.