On the Park Toy and Candy Store officials are hosting a 30-year anniversary celebration at the shop on Oct. 17 from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., according to the shop's website.

What they offer: The business, which originally opened in October 1996, is located at 1271 Kingwood Drive in Kingwood. The store offers a variety of chocolate and candy options, toys and books, and hosts events throughout the year, including sensory playdates and story time sessions.

The details: Officials noted the free event will feature:

• Free balloons

• Raffles and prizes

• A trackless train

• Shopping from local vendors

Several new businesses have recently opened or are coming soon to the Lake Houston area. The updates include:

• Raul Marquez Boxing Studio opened July 15 at 2714 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Ste. 180, in Humble. Led by a former world champion and Olympic boxer, the studio offers classes for adults and kids.

• Gomez Western Wear opened Sept. 27 at 20210 Hwy. 59 N. in Humble, after moving from its previous Humble location.

• La Lihn, a faith-based boutique offering size-inclusive women's and men's clothing and accessories, is opening Oct. 10 at 18321 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Ste. 140, in Atascocita.

• Score Entertainment is opening this fall at 20131 Hwy. 59 in Humble. Located in the former Sears space at Deerbrook Mall, it will offer activities like laser tag, go-karts and bowling, alongside a restaurant and two bars.

• Slick City Action Park is opening in October at 20424 Hwy. 59 in Humble, featuring indoor slides and air courts.

Several fall festival events are scheduled this month, though events are subject to change. The upcoming activities include:

• Katy Rice Harvest Festival on Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Oct. 11 from noon to 6 p.m. in Katy

• Pumpkin Float on Oct. 10 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in The Woodlands

• Halloween Bash on Oct. 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. in The Woodlands

• Tricks & Treats on Oct. 17 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Missouri City

• ArBOOretum on Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Houston

Several trending stories emerged from the northern portion of the Greater Houston area between Sept. 25-Oct. 1:

• Power Electronics breaks ground on 53-acre manufacturing campus in Houston area

• TxDOT proposes $209M widening for portion of Grand Parkway

• Maintaining Lake Houston: Dredging and Maintenance District looks to provide long-term solution

• Klein Farmers Market to hold grand opening in Spring-Klein area

• Walmart debuts modernized store, expanded offerings in Porter

• Midnight Cravingz announces grand opening, specials

• Tomball and Magnolia businesses work against rising costs

• Conroe Icehouse opening soon