Celebrate some free Halloween festivities this year at the seventh annual underwater pumpkin carving contest on Oct. 18 at the Aquatics Center.

“The City of Santa Clarita invites residents to get in the Halloween spirit at the free seventh Annual Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest and Spooky Family Fair on Sat. Oct. 18 at the Santa Clarita Aquatics Center, located at 20850 Centre Pointe Parkway,” according to a news release.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and carving will begin at 6:45 p.m. so be sure to arrive early as space is limited.

“The City’s Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest is the only place in Santa Clarita to watch certified scuba dive teams create jack-o-lantern masterpieces seven feet under the surface of the Aquatic Center’s diving pool,” according to city officials.

The event will also feature a Spooky Family Fair with crafts, games and trick or treating around the pool. Participants are encouraged to come dressed in Halloween costumes.

“For seven years, the City of Santa Clarita’s Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest has been a favorite fall activity for residents of all ages,” said Mayor Laurene Weste. “The free community event is the perfect opportunity to experience traditional Halloween festivities in an exciting, non traditional setting.”

The Santa Clarita Aquatic Center offers three pools, including a 50 meter competition pool with a competition timing system, a 25 meter dive pool, and an activity pool complete with water play equipment and a 160 foot water slide, according to their website.

“The facility also provides concession facilities and locker/changing rooms on the landscaped and lighted grounds, with plenty of parking and ample deck space for lounging around,” according to city officials.

Divers interested in participating in the pumpkin carving contest must register by October 16, 2014. For more information or to sign up, please contact Lance O’Keefe, aquatics supervisor for the City of Santa Clarita, at lokeefe@santa-clarita.com or call (661) 250-3767.