News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Griffin James, owner of Cedar and Threads in Alpena, adjusts a Halloween display outside the store on Thursday. James and many other business owners downtown will hand out candy tonight during trick-or-treating downtown. The annual Trunk-or-Treat will also be held behind city hall from 5-7 p.m.

ALPENA — Beginning tonight, Alpena and the surrounding areas will be invaded by ghosts, goblins, and monsters as residents celebrate Halloween in their favorite costumes.

Although Halloween is on Monday, there are events throughout the weekend in Northeast Michigan.

The fun begins tonight with the annual Trunk-or-Treat event in downtown Alpena, which is sponsored by the Michigan State Police-Alpena Post. The event begins at 5 p.m. and will take place at the same time as trick-or-treating downtown. The event is expected to wrap up at about 7 p.m.

The Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center hosts its Halloween bash today from 5-8 p.m. as well The museum will be decorated for the holiday and treats and fun for families is scheduled.

On Saturday in Lincoln, a Fall Family Fun Day will be held downtown, starting at 11 a.m. The event includes a soup and chili cook off, a trunk-or-treat event and a pet costume contest. A decoration contest is also on the itinerary.

The highlight of all the activities is trick-or-treating on Monday. Thousands of local youngsters will line sidewalks, going door-to-door to select treats and show off their Halloween attire.

Trick-or-treating takes place on Halloween from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in Alpena, Rogers City, and Harrisville. Kids in Onaway and Hillman can collect treats from 5-7:30 p.m.

Thousands of kids in Northeast Michigan will walk in and near roads in the area and police encourage drivers to be cautious when driving in areas where trick-or-treaters are present.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services offers other tips to keep people safe on Halloween.

The state says children should not accept — and especially, not to eat — anything that isn’t commercially wrapped, and parents should inspect the goodies after trick-or-treating is done. It also recommends parents of young children should also remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys.

Adults should also look for signs of candy tampering, such as an unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears in wrappers and throw away anything that looks suspicious, the state says.

Children should only go to well-lit houses and remain on porches rather than entering houses, and travel in small groups, while accompanied by an adult. Kids should also know their phone number and have their names and addresses attached to their costumes.

When walking from house to house, the state says children should use flashlights, stay on sidewalks, avoid crossing through yards, and only cross streets at corners.

It is also recommended people wearing costumes wear something bright or reflective to make it easier for motorists to see them.

Weather should not be an issue on Monday. The National Weather Service forecasts the weather to be in the mid-50s and dry.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ss_alpenanews.com.