Downtown East Lansing merchants will host the 14th annual Great Pumpkin Walk this evening. The event is free and allows children to collect treats in a safe and fun environment.

Student Book Store manager Brad Ballein said the event is an alternative for Halloween, and an opportunity for children who cannot go trick-or-treating to celebrate.

"Some kids live in apartments and don't have neighborhoods," Ballein said.

"This gives them a place to go, come out, get candy and have fun," he said.

Last year, more than 800 trick-or-treaters filled downtown for the event. The walk begins at 5 p.m., and parents are encouraged to bring their costumed children to collect treats at more than 90 downtown businesses.

Trick-or-treaters can pick up a map of participating businesses and bags to carry their treats from Bohemian Barber, 221 M.A.C. Ave., or Student Book Store, 417 E. Grand River Ave.