MINGO JUNCTION — This weekend, the yearly Halloween in Mingo bash will return to haunt Aracoma Park, bringing a free night of fun and frights for all ages.

The village’s seventh-annual Halloween party will take place Saturday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Aracoma Park’s large shelter house. Festivities will commence immediately after Mingo Junction’s trick-or-treat, which runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Often costumed, individuals come from all over the Ohio Valley to take part in Mingo’s blowout. As many as 2,000 attendees passed through the event last year, according to lead organizer Jeffrey Schuetz.

All are invited to “come and enjoy” this year’s festivities, said Schuetz, who’s been the owner and director of Schuetz Funeral Home for more than a decade. Assisted by other local contributors, Schuetz hosts the event each year “just to give back” to the community.

There will be treats galore for individuals to partake in, such as free funeral cakes, hot chocolate, hotdogs and candy.

Steubenville punk rock band Four Roses, Actually will perform on the park’s stage from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., while other Halloween-themed activities will be offered.

To close out the night, Schuetz will light off a fireworks display, anticipated to occur around 9 p.m.

Sponsors of the event include Schuetz Funeral Home, Pesta’s Country Store, Toni Moreland State Farm, Woman’s Club of Mingo Junction, S&S Softwash LLC, the Mingo Junction Lion’s Club, the Mingo Junction Police Department and Softite Community Federal Credit Union.

Prior to the Halloween party, trick-or-treating in the village will see six streets and part of another closed to traffic from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. to ensure participants’ safety. Affected streets include the 200 block of Eleanor Street, Scenic Drive, West Benita Drive, Paulman Circle, Valuska Drive, Brian Street and Helenka Drive.

Volunteers will be present to allow residents in and out of their streets, though identification may be required for access, according to the Mingo Junction Police Department.

Those driving their children to trick-or-treat should park at Aracoma Park, the Mingo Junction Knights of Columbus hall, First United Presbyterian Church or any public parking area. The Steel Valley Regional Transit Authority will be providing shuttles to and from the Knights of Columbus hall.

Vehicles parked in “No Parking” zones may be ticketed and towed, according to the police department.

Earlier this month, Schuetz and others began decorating preparing the shelters house, to “start giving it the eerie feeling.” Schuetz said spooky lighting would be installed, as well as a tarp for the shelter and burn barrels to keep attendees warm.

Schuetz noted he’s been preparing for the Halloween party while directing physical improvements at the Mingo Junction funeral home and jointly hosting a free art show with the Steubenville Art Association and Right at Home In-Home Care and Assistance.

To prospective attendees, Schuetz said to come and “just have a good time.”