Worst Halloween candy

Candy corn might be the most recognizable, yet least delicious Halloween candy ever invented.

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - A crowd of several hundred trick-or-treaters, their families and area residents will swarm the downtown area Friday evening during Downtown Huntsville, Inc.'s first-annual Halloween at Twickenham Square event.

DHI Chief Executive Officer Chad Emerson said it will be the first public event held at the $100 million Twickenham Square mixed-use project, which broke ground in December 2012 and has welcomed a handful of new businesses in the past few months.

Emerson hopes the inaugural event will help Twickenham Square become "one of the most popular places to spend Halloween evening in Huntsville going forward."

"A lot of people have been to the Publix or the Homewood Suites, but this is kind of introducing the project as a whole," Emerson said. "Even though some of the restaurants and businesses aren't open, Asian Rim and Taco Mama will be participating."

[Related: Tips to keep children safe as they enjoy Halloween candy, costumes and trick or treating]

The 5-8 p.m. gathering will include trick or treating through 7 p.m. at Publix, live music from .45 Surprise, free candy and glow sticks from Artisan at Twickenham Square, and pumpkin carving and adult costume contests for the public at Homewood Suites by Hilton. The winners of the contests will receive a free weekend stay at the hotel.

Employees at Artisan at Twickenham Square will be dressed as roving characters, including Disney princesses and Prince Charming, during the three-hour event, according to leasing manager Nikki Montgomery.

"We have encouraged our residents to also participate," she said.

Entrepreneurs Chris and Paige Brown are preparing to launch Taco Mama, a Birmingham-area restaurant with locations in Mountain Brook and Tuscaloosa. Paige said they had hoped to be open by late October, but wiring issues have forced the couple to hold off until sometime next month.

The couple plans to hand out candy and meet with Twickenham Square businesses and visitors on Halloween night, Paige said.

"We hope everyone will come by," she said. "We will have our doors open if you want to peek in."