By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

HOOVER—Witches, superheroes, minions and more filled Veterans Park on Thursday, Oct. 29 for the annual Hoover Hayride and Family Night. The city-sponsored event welcomed Halloween a couple days early and displayed the many great things Hoover has to offer.

The free event offered fun for the whole family, including a 15-minute hayride through Veterans Park, face painting, balloon twisting, music and more.

Food trucks provided meals, snacks and tasty treats for purchase throughout the event.

More than 70 Hoover businesses also took part in the festivities. Businesses set up booths in a large exhibitor area and showcased their various goods and services.

Of course, no Halloween celebration would be complete without candy. Children trick-or-treated from Hoover businesses set up in the exhibitor area.

“I like getting candy!” Emma Williams, dressed as Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty, exclaimed when asked about her favorite part of Halloween.

Williams was not alone. Jaley Young said she enjoys trick-or-treating, adding this year, she’s on the lookout for her favorite candy: chocolate. Molly Yarbrough said she also likes chocolate, particularly Twix.

The Hoover Hayride and Family Night is a six-year city tradition, and has grown more popular overtime. The event regularly draws between 8,000 and 10,000 people to Veterans Park.