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As charismatic meteorologists like Sam Champion almost alarmingly inform us that New England's foliage is at its pinnacle, it is clear that Halloween is once again here. In the wake of the attacks on New York and Washington, some residents may not feel like celebrating the scary side of the Pagan holiday. So the Current has combed the area for some wholesome alternatives to mischief nights and gruesome guises. For those whose passion for a party remains undeterred, we've also included some slightly less wholesome fare - meaning you need to be 21 to attend the event.

On Saturday, Oct. 27 the City of Hoboken is sponsoring a Fall Festival at Frank Sinatra Park (Frank Sinatra Drive between Fourth and Fifth streets in Hoboken) from 1 to 5 p.m.. The festival, touted as the perfect outing for the whole family, will include waterfront hayrides, blue grass music, hot cider, magic tricks and pumpkin painting for the first 1,000 children who attend. Admission is free. For more information call 420-2207.

The following day, Sunday, Oct. 28, Stevens Cooperative School (301 Garden St., Hoboken) is hosting their annual Harvest Festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Like the Fall Festival, the Harvest Festival will feature fun activities for the whole family, including face paintings and fun paintings. Admission is free.

All Saints Episcopal day School (707 Washington St., Hoboken) is sponsoring their book fair and bake sale on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Jersey City's division of cultural affairs is sponsoring a Halloween party at The Loews Theater (54 Journal Square) is hosting a Halloween Party on Wednesday, Oct. 31rom 6 to 9 p.m. There will be a DJ, face painting, costumes contests, snacks and drinks. Admission is free. For more information call 798-6055.

Finally, you can check out what costumes the kids are donning this year on Wednesday Oct. 31 at 3:30 p.m., when the city of Hoboken sponsors their annual Ragamuffin Parade. The parade will start at 13th and Washington streets and end at Frank Sinatra Park. For more information call 420-2207.

The Hoboken Swing Scene is hosting their annual Halloween costume party on Wednesday Oct. 31 at Willie McBrides (616 Grand St., Hoboken). The party will also double as a fundraiser - a $1 raffle will raise money for the American Red Cross. Dinner for two at Maxwell's and handmade jewelry are just some of the items to be raffled off. The evening will kick off with a beginner's swing lesson at 8 p.m. followed by an open dance from 8:45 p.m. to midnight. Admission is $5. For more information call 610-1522.

Also on Wednesday, Oct. 31 Scotland Yard (72 Hudson St., Hoboken) will host their annual Halloween bash featuring a blues performance by the Yardbirds at 9:30 p.m. Admission is free. For more information call 222-9273.

Hipnosis.com is hosting a Halloween party at the Whiskey Bar (125 Washington St., Hoboken). Scheduled to perform are Otto's Daughter, Evil Adams, High Speed Chase, My Pocket Zoo, Years of Static, Alexander the Poet, Hoboken Ron, Saggs and Radomir. The show kicks off at 7 p.m. Admission is $7.

Have fun, stay safe, and remember ... don't eat any open candy.