The West Ward Community Initiative (WWCI) will host Ghouls in the Garden, a free Halloween celebration for families, on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 5 to 8 p.m. The event takes place at the 10th and Pine Community Garden in Easton. WWCI is a program of the Greater Easton Development Partnership.

The event is designed especially for families with school-aged children. Resident Linda Williams suggested the idea, which answered several neighbors’ requests for more Halloween activities in the neighborhood. WWCI is using resources and equipment already available through the West Ward Market.

A committee of resident leaders is working with WWCI staff to coordinate the festivities. Highlights include a costume contest with prizes, a mask-making station, a teddy bear giveaway, a sensory station with a spooky story, Halloween Bingo, and candy. More activities are being planned as additional residents and community partners join in.

“We have fantastic local leaders in the West Ward,” said Jacob Behler, manager of the West Ward Community Initiative. “We’re so excited to help them create and host an event that reflects their vision for the community.”

Residents can support the event by organizing activities or signing up to hand out candy. Local businesses, social organizations, and City Council representatives are also coordinating activities and contributing candy, prizes, and other support.

All activities are free, and the event is open to the public. If the weather is bad, Ghouls in the Garden will be rescheduled to Thursday, Nov. 5.