Zombies, ghosts, pirates and princesses prepare for Downtown Statesboro's Scare on the Square.

The Downtown Statesboro Development Authority, in partnership with Zaxby's and a host of other local businesses, will throw Statesboro's largest, family-friendly Halloween celebration Saturday beginning at 4:30 p.m.

"Scare on the Square started out five years ago when a small group wanted to dance ‘Thriller' on Main Street," said Allen Muldrew, the executive director of Main Street Statesboro/Downtown Statesboro Development Authority. "Now the event has grown into a thrilling community event with family fun for thousands."

This year's event features a hayride, haunted house, contests, interactive activity booths, trunk-or-treating and, of course, the annual "Thriller" (zombie) street dance and parade.

Concessions and arts and crafts also will be featured at the event, which typically draws several thousand visitors downtown.

The Hunter Cattle hayride will be conducted at two separate times. Those wanting a friendly pumpkin ride can take one from 4:30-6 p.m. After 6:30 p.m., a more chilling ride will be available - for those who can stand it.

Every year, Galactic Comics and Games hosts the best costume contest in Statesboro for ages zero to 100. Children can register in advance at Galactic or at 4 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot across from City Hall, where the contest will be held. There will be prizes awarded for each age category.

Live entertainment will parade its way down Main Street to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" song at 8 p.m.

In preparation for the event, East Main Street and some adjacent streets will be closed the afternoon prior to the kickoff of festivities.

Businesses, groups or individuals interested in participating in the Scarecrow Contest or Trunk-or-Treat should call the Downtown Statesboro Development Authority at (912) 764-7227.