WHEELING — Young ghosts and goblins are invited to attend as The Highlands hosts its inaugural Halloween bash Saturday.

“Halloween at The Highlands” begins with a parade and costume contest at 2:30 p.m. Line up for the parade is by Bubba’s Burghers, and all Halloween events will be centered in the Wharton Circle/Highlands Event Center area of The Highlands.

A scavenger hunt and raffle is set for 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the lawn by the fountain. In addition, there will be inflatables, face painters and children’s games.

A pumpkin carving contest will take place from 4-5 p.m. in front of The Highlands Event Center.

The evening culminates with a “spooky hayride” from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Participation in all events is free.

“We’re going to give it a go,” said Ohio County Administrator Greg Stewart. “We hadn’t seen that kind of activity anywhere else locally, so we thought we would like to get some kids involved.”

Judges will award prizes for the best costumes in different categories, he said. Goody bags filled with Halloween treats also will be distributed. Students from the Wheeling Park High School theatre group will be assisting with events.

“Your biggest fear is nobody shows up,” Stewart said. “Your next biggest fear is 10,000 show up, and you can’t handle it.

“I don’t think we’ll get that, but you’re always nervous until you do it a few times and get a feel for how it’s going to go.”

The Highlands development, owned by Ohio County, is operated by the Ohio County Development Authority.