Planning and registration are underway for the annual Scarecrow Stroll and Beggars’ Night.

The Halloween-themed event brings about 20,000 people to downtown Hinesville for trick-or-treating, crafts, hayrides, a costume contest and more.

The festival, which was founded in 2009, will run from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, and will feature a multitude of activities spread throughout Bradwell Park; Commerce, Midway and Main streets; M.L. King Jr. Drive; and Central Avenue — all of which will be partially closed to traffic. Area businesses, civic groups, churches and volunteers are needed to host candy stations, decorate and place scarecrows, and sponsor or facilitate other activities, such as crafts and games.

The evening also will include hayrides, bounce houses, a haunted house at the Old Liberty County Jail, a choreographed routine to “Thriller” and a public movie-viewing in Main Street Park. A detailed schedule of events and a map of the activities will be released closer to Oct. 30.

“We always have a wonderful time with the Scarecrow Stroll, but it’s an enormous event that takes a lot of planning and attention to detail,” Hinesville Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Michelle Ricketson said. “We’re counting on the community to support us by signing up to pass out candy, serve as sponsors, help staff booths and volunteer to assist with logistics. We need all hands on deck to ensure the event’s success and provide a safe place for local families to enjoy some fall fun.”

For more information or to register a business, group or organization to help, call 912-877-4332 or email mainstreet@hinesvilledowntown.com.