EHM's Mall-O-Ween set

Lockport residents Wanda Wolfe, left, and Nikky Totten take part in last year's Mall-O-Ween. Photo by John Rusac

Once again, little ones can enjoy all of the fun of trick-or-treating on Halloween night from the safety of the Eastern Hills Mall, located at 4545 Transit Road, at the Mall-O-Ween Extravaganza.

Candy, prizes and deluxe trick-or-treating bags will be given out to children 12 and under at the mall from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31.

The event is entirely free.

"It's all about safety," said Megan Wagner, marketing manager at the Eastern Hills Mall. "Things in today's world can be a little scary, so we're doing what we can to help."

Last year's event saw around 14,000 participants in the wake of the October Storm, Wagner said, and the mall is expecting those same numbers this year, despite the unseasonably warm weather the area has been experiencing.

The Mall-O-Ween costume contest, hosted by the voice of the Buffalo Bisons, Ben Wagner, will also be held with prizes, including bikes, motorized buggies and a mall shopping spree as the grand prize.

The contest will begin at 5 p.m. for children 6 and younger and will continue at 5:45 p.m. for anyone ages 7 to 17. The event will conclude at 6:30 p.m. for ages 18 and older.

Wagner noted that all costume contest participants will receive coupons for free gifts at the mall.

"We decided to have it on Halloween night because of the trouble that pops up on that night," Wagner said. "We're doing our best to promote a safe environment."

For more information, call the mall at 633-1600.