The fourth-annual free trunk and treat event is planned from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Systems Control stage and parking lot on Iron Mountain Street, across from the Dickinson County Library.

Marshfield Medical Center-Dickinson and First National Bank & Trust will once again be co-presenting sponsors.

“The Pumpkin Walk has become one of the downtown’s favorite fall traditions, drawing hundreds of families for an afternoon of costumes, candy collecting and community fun,” DDA Event Coordinator Katherine Mentel said.

Last year, the DDA estimates the walk drew between 700 to 800 children, with a total of about 1,800 people.

The Dickinson County Library is again partnering with the DDA and offering a variety of free activities in conjunction with Saturday's Pumpkin Walk. From left are library staff members Megan Rose, Amanda Kivi, Nikki Younk, Amy Chiamulera, Amanda Griggs and Emily Cummings. (Contributed photo)

“We expect more in attendance this year, as the event is growing in popularity and more people are learning about it,” she added.

In addition to collecting goodies at each decorated station, participants can take part in a costume contest at 1 p.m. at the stage.

“This year, we will have four different age groups,” Mentel said.

Categories include ages 0-9; ages 10-17; adults; and teams for all ages.

The team isn’t limited to the number of participants, she added.

“They will be judged on creativity, Halloween spirit, and crowd choice,” Mentel said, adding first place prizes will be awarded in each category, along with bragging rights.

The DDA will conduct voting as well for the best decorated trunk display during the Pumpkin Walk.

They still would like to have five to 10 more trunk displays to take part in the festivities.

“Hosting a trunk is easy,” she said. “It’s a great way to get your business in front of local families while helping create a fun, festive experience.”

Participation is free for all downtown businesses, non-profit organizations, schools or community groups. A $50 fee is required for businesses outside the downtown district.

The Pumpkin Walk also kicks off its Halloween Window Decorating Contest voting.

The DDA encourages local businesses to participate in the window display contest as well. “It’s a good way to showcase the Halloween spirit throughout downtown,” she added.

Voting will close Oct. 30.

The top two places for the trunk and window contest will be announced on Halloween, Oct. 31.

First-place winners will receive $400 DDA mini-grant and second place recipients will receive $200 DDA mini-grant.

Mentel thanked First National Bank & Trust and Marshfield Medical Center-Dickinson for supporting the grant sponsorship.

Anyone interested in signing up for the event can go to https://downtownironmountain.com/pumpkin-walk.

The Dickinson County Library is again an important partner for the event, Mentel noted.

“Each year, they do a great job with their indoor activities that are also free to all families,” she said.

The library will bring back the “Ghoulie Glowing Golfing” from noon to 3 p.m.

The event spaces will be completely blacked out so all ages can participate in glow-in-the-dark Halloween-themed activities.

In addition to the mini golf, the library will have ring toss, cornhole and Halloween-themed crafts.

Ghouls will even be hiding in the book stacks for kids to hunt down. Participants can also grab a pair of headphones to listen to Halloween-themed music while they golf and play.

No registration is required; each activity is on a first come, first served basis.

A new addition to the trunk or treat event is D’s Creative Faces offering free face painting and glitter tattoos for kids who stop at her booth.

She will have some Halloween-inspired designs, Mentel said.

Sugar Jets food truck will be on site offering a pumpkin-theme inspired menu for the afternoon.

The DDA will have hot chocolate, apple cider and water for sale.

Mentel encourages everyone to follow downtown businesses on their Facebook pages as they will host specials and different activities.

“The Pumpkin Walk is a fun and safe way to enjoy Halloween festivities with the entire family,” she said.

Mentel noted that after the Pumpkin Walk, the DDA will get ready for its Girls Night Out on Thursday, Nov. 13, and the Christmas Walk on Friday, Dec. 5.

For more information on the event or to sign up, go to downtownironmountain.com/pumpkin-walk.

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Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.