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Spooky Halloween fun beckons before the sun sets as hundreds are anticipated to gather on the Hope Town Square Friday for the return of Goodies, Goblins & Ghost Stories from 5 to 8 p.m.

“I am super excited,” says Dave Miller, event organizer. “The weather is looking great.”

Last year, nearly 1,000 ghosts, goblins and fantastical creatures great and small gathered on the Town Square and this year is anticipated to bring out even more.

In addition to the return of the haunted ghost walking tour, haunted hay rides, spooky science and pumpkin walk, Miller says there will be fortunes told on the Square and (due to the anticipated warm weather) free sno cones for the kiddos while supplies last.

Simultaneously, there will be haunted happenings going on at the Yellow Trail Museum as the haunted tour “Night at the Museum” returns from 5 to 8 p.m. Stop in for creepy tales, fantastical folklore and delicious treats.

In an effort to keep all the participating carved Jack O’lanterns safe and give them their own space to glow, there will be a Jack O’lantern garden to minimize the risk of them getting knocked over or otherwise injured, Miller adds.

Remember, trunk or treat will be on the south side of the Square this year and organizers are asking for all participating vehicles to be parked and ready by 5 p.m. when the event starts.

“We had a ton of people come out last year,” Miller says. “We’ve a lot of stuff happening and we’re happy to be putting the event on.”'