Though it should not be a surprise to any of us living in the Chicago area, it is that time of year again. The bright colors of the summer geraniums have faded and the more subdued colors of mums are gracing peoples’ gardens. The pumpkins, squash and gourds are in abundance at farmers market, the air is crisp, the leaves are falling and the days are shorter.

Along with the advent of fall come two traditions in our community: The Red Sled annual arts and crafts bazaar and the St. Francis Xavier 5k Run. Both events are Saturday, Nov. 8, and both are great family events.

Now in its 29th year, the Red Sled will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ogden Avenue School, the corner of Ogden and Waiola avenues. There will be more than 70 artisans and crafters with some new crafters being featured. This is a juried art event. The many different offerings make this fair a great spot for holiday gifts.

The raffle once again will be a big attraction, with prizes such as technology items, games, show tickets, spa packages, weekend getaways, shopping sprees and family vacations available. Also, pictures with Santa will be taken by photographer Paul Ferraro from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and noon to 1:30 p.m.

Should you get hungry during the browsing and shopping, there will be a bake sale with fresh baked goodies donated by the Ogden community. Lunch and coffee will be served at the café also, so you can take a rest and have an enjoyable meal.

One of the most popular sections of the Red Sled is Candy Cane lane. There are games, crafts, kids yoga and activities for the children. The children also have their own raffle and this year the prizes include a Nintendo DS and Webkinz. Smaller items also are for sale that are priced right for the younger members of the family.

Event chairwoman Nikki Noonan has worked with an enthusiastic committee this year that includes Sheila McLean, promotions; Nancy Ashburn, café; Susan McMahon, bake sale; Lisa Nadle, Candy Cane Lane; Jennifer Freeman, photos with Santa; and America Castagnola, raffle.

Before you browse at the Red Sled, you and your family can participate in the annual St. Francis Xavier Falcon 5k Walk/Run and Kids Relay. The race begins at 8:30 a.m., with a designated race route through the Harding Woods neighborhood in La Grange Park. The route is actually made up of two one-mile legs and one 1.1-mile leg and has been certified by the USA Track & Field for the first time this year. Race warmup starts at 8:10 a.m. at the start line on Richmond and Waiola avenues.

This year, the Falcon 5k expects about 500 participants and in the past, the entrants ranged from serious runners to weekend competitors to those looking to get out with their neighbors and friends and take a walk on a beautiful fall morning. Children also make up a large part of the group, and they can compete either individually or in a 5k relay.

According to Moira Madell, working on the publicity committee this year, “My personal experience with the race is that it brings together adults and kids who are excited to exercise among friends on a beautiful day. My son, a fifth-grader this year, looks forward to competing and finishing the race — feeling great about himself.”

Entry fee is $25 for adults and $15 for kids 18 and younger. The top three male and female finishers in the adult (19 and older) group will be awarded prizes. Medals will be awarded to the top three males and females in the 10 and younger, 11 to 14 and 15 to 18 age groups with medals to the Kids Relay in the top three male, female and co-ed teams. Strollers are welcome, but no dogs.

After the race, participants and their families can enjoy refreshments and entertainment at Joyce Hall at St. Francis Xavier. The band Randum Park made up of “talented, rockin’ high-schoolers” is reuniting for the event.

“The band was great last year, and we are happy to see they will be joining us again this year,” Madell said.

Gold sponsors for the event include The Competitive Foot, DeVries Grocery & Market, Dr. Tony Cascino and Allan E. Power Plumbing. Additionally, helping out in sponsorship are Rose Paving, Cathy Bier of Smothers Realty, Elite Fitness & Gym, Back in Balance Chiropractic & Acupuncture, Stonegrove Guitar, Community Orthopaedics Ltd., Gemini Gymnastics Academy, Dan Donahue of Wachovia Securities, Professional Painters, Drs. Battistoni & Beam Ltd., Aspen Builders and AthleticCo.

For more information on the Red Sled, visit the Ogden Avenue School Web site at www.dist102.k12.il.us and for information and a signup form for the 5k Falcon Run visit www.sfx-lg.org/sfx_parish/forms/5k_registration_form.doc.