Halloween is coming up and the Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Department wants to make your night spook-tacular!

The annual Halloween Festival is 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at Superstition Shadows Park, 1091 W Southern Ave. Entry into the event is free to the community.

Back by popular demand will be Trunk or Treat, sponsored by Lost Dutchman Realty. Join local businesses as they line up their vehicles and pass out handfuls of candy to all the dressed-up ghouls and goblins, according to a release.

Several spots around the city are accepting candy donations for the Trunk or Treat event starting on Oct. 1. Candy can be dropped at the Apache Junction Multi-generational Center, Lost Dutchman Realty, Apache Junction Public Library, Elks Lodge No. 2349, Little Prospector Preschool, VFW No. 9399, Academy Mortgage and VFW Post No. 7968. All candy must be sealed at the time of drop off.

The annual costume contest will begin at 5 p.m. at the stage and will be divided by ages. All ages are welcome to enter. Remember to use your imagination and be creative, the release states.

Do you or your family like to carve pumpkins for Halloween? If so, bring your pre-carved pumpkin out to the park and enter the pumpkin carving contest. Entries will be judged by kids and adults. All pumpkins must be submitted to the judging table by 6 p.m. to be eligible to win. Winners will be announced after the conclusion of the costume contest.

Enter your dog in a “howl-o-ween” canine costume contest! All canines must be on a leash. This contest will take place by the stage after the human costume contests.

Local nonprofit organizations, businesses and food vendors will be onsite selling food and providing games for the kids. AJPR will be selling wristbands and tickets for the games and other activities. All proceeds of the sales go back to the community and the nonprofit groups that host booths at the event. Wristbands go on sale on Sept. 28 at the multi-generational center and are $10 per person for Apache Junction residents and $15 for non-residents. All wristbands will be $15 on the day of the event. Small ticket bundles will also be available for purchase at the event.

To host a booth at this event, email Jared Grimm at jgrimm@apachejunctionaz.gov. If your local business would like to participate in the Trunk or Treat, email Charlie or Larry at lostdutchmanrealty@msn.com.

Interested in volunteering at this event? If so, call Jared Grimm at 480-474-5152.

For more information on other programs and services, call the parks and recreation department at 480-474-5240 or go to www.apachejunctionaz.gov/parks.