Falling leaves, the slow yet noticeable drop in temperature and the arrival of pumpkin spice lattes are sure signs that autumn is upon us. And in Port Gamble, the changing seasons signal the return of paranormal fun. Port Gamble’s popular Ghost Walks return Oct. 4, giving visitors a hands-on opportunity to spend some time inside some of the town’s infamously haunted buildings and to learn about Port Gamble’s spooky past.

For information on available dates and times for Port Gamble Ghost Walks, please call 360-297-8074, but don’t wait, these events frequently sell out in advance. And remember to leave the little goblins at home — the Ghost Walks are for ages 16 and older.

One of the highlights of the season is the annual Port Gamble Ghost Conference, one of the largest paranormal conferences of its kind on the West Coast. Scheduled for Oct. 18-19 at the Hood Canal Vista Pavilion, the conference offers hands-on investigations led by professional paranormal experts, a Psychic Panel Q&A and fascinating presentations, such as Neil McNeill’s “Anatomy of a Séance.” To register for this unique event, please call 360-297-8074 or visit www.portgamble.com.

Keeping with October’s spooky theme, the Port Gamble Theater presents “Hound of the Baskervilles,” perhaps the most famous and popular of the Sherlock Holmes mysteries. It’s a gripping tale which deals with the curse of the Baskerville family and the fiendish killer hound which stalks its members. The show, directed by Kristi Ann Jacobsen, runs Oct. 4-20. For tickets, please visit www.brownpapertickets.com and search Port Gamble Theater.

Did you know that Port Gamble was home to zombies before zombies were cool? The town served as the backdrop for the cult thriller “Zombies of Mass Destruction.” You can enjoy the movie at a special free showing at 7 p.m. on Halloween night at the Hood Canal Pavilion. Feel free to bring out your inner zombie by dressing up and participating in the “Best  Zombie Costume” competition that evening, judged by a cast member from the show.

October in Port Gamble isn’t all about zombies and haunted houses. Roots Rock Run will host its seventh annual Spooky 12K & Kids Dash Oct. 27 on the Port Gamble trails. More information, including registration for this popular event, is available at www.rootsrockrun.com.

In less frightening news, books are back in Port Gamble with the opening of the town’s newest business, No. 7 Bookstore. Owned by Danya Simkus and Rik Scott of Mr. B’s Bookery in Kingston, No. 7 Bookstore can be found next door to the tea room in the blue house, the New York House, on Main Street.

Speaking of blue houses, the Port Gamble Guest Houses have turned their Little Blue House into a little artist retreat and studio that is perfect for knitters, painters, writers and other hobby enthusiasts. Available as a dedicated art workspace from mid-November through mid-April, the Little Blue House Art Studio — along with the two guest houses — will be open for viewing during the Fall Stash Dash, Oct. 4-6, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For information, please contact Rhea Schneider or Doug Nicholson at 360-930-8783.

Calling all bakers for the annual Holiday Fruitcake competition

Does your fruitcake have what it takes to take the cake? If so, then don’t miss your opportunity to participate in the annual Port Gamble Holiday Fruitcake Contest, the oldest and largest fruitcake contest in the Pacific Northwest. We’re gearing up for the 2013 contest, which promises to be the biggest and best yet.

In addition to the amateur division, this year’s contest will include a professional division with fruitcakes submitted by bakeries and baking professionals in Kitsap County. The judging process will be open to the public and a panel of celebrity judges will evaluate the fruitcake entries in front of a live audience.

Winners will receive an engraved plaque, a special basket of holiday goodies from Port Gamble and the title of “Best Fruitcake in Kitsap County” for 2013.

The 2013 Port Gamble Holiday Fruitcake Contest will be held Dec. 14 during the annual Country Christmas celebration in Port Gamble. For information and contest details, please contact the Port Gamble events office at 360-297-8074, or email portgamble@orminc.com.

— Shana Smith is general manager of Port Gamble. Contact her at ssmith@orminc.com.