The spooky beats of Michael Jackson's Thriller will signal the start of this year's Halloween Parade on Thursday, October 31.

The parade is open to everyone, even if you don't have a costume. To participate, just come to the corner of Johnson and Caledonia streets at 5:45 p.m. and hang out behind the fire engine until the 6:00 p.m. start time.

Caledonia Street will be closed while the parade makes its way north to Robin Sweeny Park. In addition to creepy decorations, merchants and residences along the street will have candy to give to trick or treaters. Free reusable trick-or-treat bags will be available at the start of the parade.

There will be more trick or treating (and more free trick-or-treat bags) after the parade at Trick or Treat Lane at the Robin Sweeny Park basketball courts.

The always popular Dog Costume Contest will get underway at 6:30 p.m. along Caledonia Street in front of City Hall. Prizes will be awarded for best little dog, best big dog, and best couple (human and dog).

A new addition to the festivities this year is a Carved Pumpkin Contest. To participate, just drop off your artfully carved pumpkin at Robin Sweeny Park between 5:00 and 5:50 p.m. on Halloween. Voting by the public will start at 5:30 p.m. and continue until 7:30 p.m.

Any questions about Halloween Sausalito can be directed to the Parks and Recreation Department at (415) 289-4152 or recreation@sausalito.gov.