Local youngsters are being encouraged to get ready for Thursday; that’s when the City of Oakdale will be hosting its Annual Halloween Parade and Festival. The Oct. 31 event runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and this free, family-friendly Halloween gathering offers youngsters the opportunity to play kid-friendly games, participate in the costume contest, enjoy free food, and get a family picture at the photo booth.

City officials are working in cooperation with community partners to put on the festivities.

Families are encouraged to take part in the parade, which begins at 5 p.m., leading from the Youth Building at the corner of West H Street and Gilbert Avenue. From there, parade participants will walk east along G Street, heading to the Gene Bianchi Community Center. The festival takes place in the Oakdale Town Plaza adjacent to the Community Center, with food, games and fun.

The festival runs until 7 p.m., providing time afterward for families to hit the city’s various neighborhoods to go trick-or-treating.