It’s time to carve up a pumpkin, put on a witch’s hat, mask or cape and hit the streets of downtown Smithfield.

The 22nd annual Safe Trick or Treat is Thursday, Oct. 31, 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Main Street. 

The street is awhirl with costumes — from bunnies to grim reapers and everything in between. Up to 3,00 people have been known to participate. 

Businesses and organizations line the street with buckets of treats, followed by a costume contest for all ages on The Smithfield Times gazebo stage. Judging begins at 6:30 p.m. and prizes, donated by local businesses, will be awarded. 

Pumpkin artists can enter their creations in the Jack-o-lantern contest. Drop off pumpkins at The Smithfield Times from 4-5:30 p.m. Be sure to include a clearly printed name and candles for nighttime judging.  Prizes are provided by local businesses. 

Cookies and lemonade is also available. 

Once activities wind up on Main Street, trick-or-treaters often head over to Grace Street, where residents pull out all the stops in decorations and candy.  

A town ordinance restricts trick-or-treating to children age 12 and under.

Safe Trick or Treat is sponsored each year by downtown merchants, The Smithfield Times and the Smithfield Police Department.