Only treats and no tricks will be handed out Monday as the Ironton Business Association hosts the annual Safe Trick-or-Treat before the Halloween parade begins.

"This really is a success," Cheryl Cleary, vice president of the IBA, said. "Every year it gets bigger and bigger as more businesses get involved."

Last year, more than 1,200 children visited the City Center to get an early start on the holiday candy gathering. Safe Trick-or-Treat begins at 5:30 and ends at 7 p.m.

Spooky decorations and Halloween music will set the mood.

The parade, also sponsored by the Lions and Rotary Clubs, begins at 7 p.m. in front of the fountain and will proceed down Third Street and end back at the City Center.

"Parents are comfortable because they know it is a safe environment," she said. "It is such an important thing to see the community come together like this."

The IBA has seen more participation this year, with about 14 businesses

signed up for tables inside the building and others that may participate along Third Street, Cleary said.

"This is just one more activity for the children of the town," Mark Compston, president of the IBA said. "You can never have too many activities for the kids enjoyment."

Afterwards, the children can walk in the parade. Bands from Ironton schools will lead the procession and awards will be given afterwards for several different costume categories.

Not a traditional parade with floats, it is really just for the children, Cleary said. A long-standing tradition, the city has hosted the event for years.

"I was in it when I was a little girl," she said. "It seems to get bigger each year, and we have found we are getting children from all over, not just Ironton."

"The parade is a good way to keep the community spirit alive and get people into downtown," Compston said. "It gets everyone working together."

Other businesses who would like to participate can call the City Center before noon on Monday to reserve a table.