By AMALIA KORTRIGHT / For the Reporter

HOOVER – Residents in the Hoover area have the chance to gather a few treats and have fun a few days before Halloween.

The city of Hoover is hosting its annual Hoover Hayride and Family Night on Thursday, Oct. 27 at Veterans Park off Valleydale Road.

The Hoover Hayride and Family Night is the city’s fall community outreach event and has been held every October since 2008.

“We started this to offer another opportunity for the community to have a good time with family members and friends, and to have a good time at the park,” Hoover event coordinator Erin Colbaugh said.

The event includes hayrides around the park, balloon artists and face painting. A variety of local vendors will be selling food and drinks. Attendees will be able to get candy and win free prizes.

Colbaugh said that members of the Hoover Chamber of Commerce will run about 80 booths to pass out candy and small prizes to children.

Children are invited to wear costumes, bring buckets for candy and gather treats at a large exhibitor pavilion in the park.

According to Colbaugh, the event has been largely successful in past years. In 2014, up to 10,000 people took part in the event.

“We generally have 10,000 to 15,000 people in attendance each year,” Colbaugh said.

The event lasts from 5-8 p.m. and is free to the public. Parking is available at Spain Park High School, and complimentary shuttles to the park will be provided.

“It definitely adds to the quality of life for our residents here in Hoover. It creates an opportunity for the community to gather in a safe, family friendly environment. Everyone is welcome to attend,” Colbaugh said.

Hoover Hayride and Family Night is sponsored by the city of Hoover’s Parks and Recreation Department.

For more information about the event, visit the city’s website at HooverAL.org.