There's one question that will soon be ringing out all over Cloverdale: Trick, or treat?

It's nearly time for the ninth annual Halloween Costume Parade.

The popular local event attracts hundreds of local children who dress up in costumes and parade through downtown. Along they way, they're invited to visit local stores for treats.

More than 500 children turned out for the parade last year.

"It's a fun, family-oriented event that's growing in popularity," says Paul Orazietti, executive director of the Cloverdale Business Improvement Association, which co-sponsors the event with the Cloverdale District Chamber of Commerce and others.

This year's event is starting earlier in order to deal with the large crowd that's expected to attend, he said. Registration is from 1 p.m. to 1:50 p.m., followed by a group photo. The parade will start at 2 p.m.

Celebrants are invited to gather at the Surrey Museum Plaza at Highway 10 (56 Ave.) and 176A St. for the parade.

After posing for a group photograph, the children are split into two parade groups. One half heads over to the Clover Square Mall and other businesses, the other half is led north through downtown.

"Sweetaholics will go the full distance," Orazzietti predicted. The routes are almost equal in length.

"The goal is to split the group in half, just to make it manageable."

About 30 to 35 businesses on each side of Highway 10 are expected to participate this year, handing out candy to hundreds of children aged two to 10, although there are always older ghouls in the crowd.

"It's a super-safe event," he said, noting Auxiliary RCMP and Cloverdale community safety officers are going to be on hand along with volunteers from the BIA and the Chamber.

"It's like a grand open house, a reason to come down and feel like this is a safe community," he said.

There's going to be plenty going on in addition to the parade, which ends back at the Surrey Museum Plaza where there will be prizes for best costumes. Cloverdale Lions will be selling hot dogs and drinks to anyone who hasn't already filled up on treats.

The other half of the event is called Pumpkin Power, and no wonder.

Craig Much, a professional sand sculptor and pumpkin carver, will be on hand with a carving display.

Plus, local business Cloverdale Country Farms will be giving out pumpkins to the first 200 children who show up – and apples for everyone, including parents.

Children can carve Jack O' Lanterns to take home.

There will be colouring contests for prizes, plus interactive displays by BC Hydro, Girl Guides of Canada, and crafts with Surrey Parks, Recreation and Culture.

Once again, Surrey Heritage Services will be offering free admission to the Surrey Museum to any kid in costume and their adult supervisor.

"The beautiful part is last year, the event generated one of the busiest days in museum history," he said.

For more information contact the BIA at 604-576-3155 or the Chamber of Commerce at 574-9802.