LONGMONT — City officials are inviting “kids of all ages” to don costumes and take part in Longmont’s 35th annual downtown Halloween Parade on Saturday.

Parade participants will gather at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the staging area outside the St. Vrain Memorial Building, 700 Longs Peak Ave., before their 10 a.m. march down Main Street to Third Avenue and back. Officials said the route is long for young children. Wagons and strollers are recommended, but people are being asked not to bring motorized children’s cars.

Immediately after the parade, participating merchants will convert Main to “Trick or Treat Street” for parade visitors.

Families also are being encouraged to take their children to the Longmont Public Library, 409 Fourth Ave., “to check out some chilling reads or to make a spooky craft.” The library’s Make & Take Crafts event will run from 10:30 a.m. until noon.

For further information about Saturday’s Halloween Parade activities, call 303-651-8649 or visit http://ci.longmont.co.us/rec/special/halloween.htm

Times-Call staff reports