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Manchester’s annual Safe on the Square Halloween event will be returning bigger and better this year, with an expanded event featuring costume contests and prizes for participants and vendors during the October 31 event from 3-5 p.m.

“The underlying thing is this is about the kids,” Mayor Joey Hobbs said. “This gives them some place safe to come and get candy before they go out and this is a chance to show off the square.”

Hobbs said the city is working to continue to grow the annual trick or treating event.

“For the last couple of years, I personally did a booth for my company and I gave out more candy than you could possibly imagine,” Hobbs said.

The city will hold a costume contest with five different age groups, including an adult category. The top three best costumes from each age group will receive Visa cash cards.

The city stage will be set up for the three judges, and those wanting to participate in the costume contest will cross the stage to be viewed by the judges.

Hobbs said the city is working to fill each space with local vendors. The vendors are asked to dress in costume.

A trophy for best vendor presentation will be displayed with a photo of the winning group at City Hall, with a friendly competition similar to the Coffee Pot trophy.