With Halloween quickly approaching, the annual Monster March is just right around the corner.

On Thursday, Oct. 29 at 4 p.m., children will begin lining up in front of the Selma-Dallas County Public Library to take a stroll down Broad Street in their Halloween costumes where employees from the different business will hand out candy to little goblins and princesses.

“I think it’s a good event because they have somewhere where they can go and they don’t have to worry about if they’re getting bad candy,” said Shebra Kidd, Downtown Selma Association director. “It’s a good environment for the kids and they don’t have to be scared of what they’re going to get. They enjoy it.”

Because of some unfortunate events leading up to the Monster March last year, Sparky the Fire Dog was unable to attend and lead the pack like usual. But this year, he is making his comeback as the grand marshal.

“Sparky is always our big attraction,” Kidd said. “We’re so excited to have him back. All the kids missed him last year.”

Kidd said the march is one of her favorite events of the year, getting to watch all of the children dress up and have a good time while interacting with the different merchants at local businesses.

“That’s always my big highlight of the year,” Kidd said.

“The merchants get in to it. That makes it a lot more fun whenever my merchants want to participate and get involved in it.”

Mayor George Evans will be in front of City Hall to meet and greet the children as they make their way past.

“The kids just [have] a good time walking down Broad Street and getting their candy,” Kidd said.

“They get tO shake the Mayor’s hand, so they really get a big kick out of that.”

Kidd said there will also be costume contests for children ages 0-12, and the winner of the Ms. Kitti Windham most original costume will receive $50 in cash. Numbers for the costume contest can be picked up in the Library’s Vaughan Room before 4 p.m.