GONZALES - Kids in Ascension Parish enjoyed a fun and safe Halloween on Saturday at the trunk or treat event at the Tanger Outlets in Gonzales.

The event, hosted by local small business owners, offered families a secure place to celebrate the holiday. The festivities included a costume contest, candy, prizes, and a haunted bus.

"They've been waiting in line for three hours, and they're leaving with bags full of candy, full belly of jambalaya to Jimmy John's, great time," said the organizer for the event, Chad Brown.

This is the event's sixth year offering kids a safe alternative to traditional trick-or-treating.