The cheerfully scary and terrifyingly adorable will be invading Nederland Saturday as the sun goes down. It’s part of the seasonal charm.

The Third Annual Monsters in the Park will be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Oct. 22 at Doornbos Park. Pumpkin painting, kids’ crafts, games and more will be offered at the family-centered event.

“We have Neighbors Emergency Center showing ‘Hotel Transylvania’ at dark and Hood Insurance (from Farmers) donating prizes for the costume contest,” said Angela Fanette, parks and recreation director, said.

“For entry into the contest, we only ask that participants bring nonperishable items for Community Care-Prayer Outreach. Hopefully we can help fill that pantry over there.”

It was the particular blend of community fun and outreach that seemed to appeal to Fanette.

“Domino’s will come out to sell pizzas, and the proceeds will go to St. Jude’s,” Fanette said.

“Nederland’s celebration project will raise money for the kiddos graduating.

“Anything you buy here will be tasty and will go to help a good cause.”

Fanette said she thought it ideal if one could have a good time and help one another out at the same time, which is something she said she believed Monsters in the Park could do.

“That’s what I believe we’re here for — helping each other.”

As for other activities, Fanette said, “There’s Pumpkin Putt-Putt and Pumpkin Relays — basically it’s an obstacle course that you have to run holding a large pumpkin.”

There will also be a particular theme to this year’s Halloween event as there has been for the previous two years, but the Fanette was tightlipped about it.

“Every year we come up with our own theme,” Fanette said. When asked about it, she responded, “You’ll have to come and see for yourself.”

The costume contest seemed to be a big draw for the Nederland event as well.

“We’re hoping that everyone will come dressed up,” Fanette said.

“We had a lot of really good costumes. The best ones are kids because they’re really stinkin’ cute.”

Fanette remembered a family dressing up as the rock band, KISS, being one of the highlights of last year’s contest.

“Halloween is always a good time if you’re really creative. With a little thought, you can always have a lot of fun with this event.”

Fanette was also quick to credit her park staff for their hard work in making Monsters in the Park a success.

“I have smart, really creative people who work with me, and they make me look really good,” Fanette said. “We really hope people will have a good time.”