It's a massive monster mash.

AKRON -- Halloween is still a few weeks away, but there's a big celebration of the haunted holiday screaming to life this weekend.

For more than two decades, Akron native Claude DeBord has organized the alcohol-absent, family friendly Halloween festival.

Even better? Admission is free.

This year's spooktacular, which marks DeBord's 23rd annual monster bash, has moved to Derby Downs.

It takes place Saturday, Oct. 13 from noon until 9 p.m.

►HALLOWEEN | Expanded coverage

Since he first started throwing the Halloween extravaganza, DeBord's party has grown by ghastly proportions. What began as a small, eerie event with just a few neighbors has exploded with tens of thousands of guests who pour in from all over the country for one night of fright.

As always, there will be dozens of special guests, including TV's Big Chuck and Little John, the Son of Ghoul, 10 live bands, belly dancers and more.

Some of the events include live wrestling, train rides, a pet costume contest and trick-or-treating for the kids.

The event takes DeBord nearly all year to plan.

Although DeBord's Halloween party has no admission fee, there are more than 120 vendors on site selling food and other spooky offerings.

Everybody who comes is asked to dress up in their best Halloween costume.

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