The Jerome Gun Hill Business Improvement District is gearing up for its 17th annual Fall Festival, slated for Saturday, Oct. 13. Join the BID for the annual event where Jerome Avenue between Mosholu Parkway and East Gun Hill Road is closed to traffic and full of people shopping, dancing, and celebrating the fall season.

“The goal of the festival is twofold,” said Jennifer Tausig, the BID’s executive director. “We want to celebrate the neighborhood and say thank you to all the loyal local shoppers as well as attract new shoppers to the variety of quality goods and services offered in the Jerome Gun Hill BID. We are looking forward to another successful, fun festival.”

As most signature BID events go, the Fall Festival aims to draw a crowd in hopes of familiarizing patrons with the commercial district’s many shopping options. The BID extends to East Gun Hill Road between Jerome Avenue and Webster Avenue. It is home to 220 businesses that include clothing stores, pharmacies, fast casual eateries, and general stores.

“The BID provides convenient, affordable shopping for residents and the local workforce,” Tausig said. “You can finish all your errands here.” Whether you are in the market for a manicure, haircut, new shoes, or a bite to eat from one of the BID’s many bodegas, bakeries, and restaurants, there is something for everyone.

Musical headliners from this year’s event include the Brooklyn-based group Alive n Kickin’ and local Norwood bachata group, Luis la Fama. Palladium Mambo All-Stars will grace the stage and play hits from Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez, and Celia Cruz.

The BID is also bringing back a pumpkin patch where kids and families can paint pumpkins for free. There will also be free art activities from the Bronx Children’s Museum, inflatables, and food stalls. Local merchants along the avenue will be out displaying their goods, offering deals to festival goers.

Last year’s event drew some 5,000 people to shop and browse the BID’s borders.

The event’s major sponsors include Agape Luxury Transportation, HealthFirst, Montefiore Health System, United Health Care, Ridgewood Savings Bank and Con Edison.

Editor’s Note: The Jerome Gun Hill Fall Festival event is scheduled for Oct. 13 from noon to 6 p.m. There is no rain date. For more information, call the Jerome Gun Hill BID at (718) 324-4946.