Howl-O-Scream returns to McLean Park in North Myrtle Beach on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 5 to 8 p.m. The family friendly event is sponsored by the North Myrtle Beach Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with recreation and sport management students from Coastal Carolina University.

CCU students get class credit for planning, implementing and evaluating the event. "Planning a large event is a valuable experience for these students," says Donald Rockey, CCU associate professor of recreation and sport management. "The students develop skills like budgeting, marketing, scheduling, recruiting, goal setting and managing volunteers and risk."

Howl-O-Scream started in 2006 with the purpose of providing a safe, family-oriented environment for children to enjoy Halloween. The program has grown to serve approximately 3,500 participants per year.

The event will have something for everyone. For people who enjoy a good haunting, there is a Scare Zone. A Scare Free Zone is available for those who want to play it safe. Other planned activities include hayrides, pumpkin painting, marshmallow roasting, trick-or-treating, a costume fashion show, a magician and entertainment from a local dance group.

CCU recreation and sport management students participating in Howl-O-Scream are Mark Bailey, Taylor Danby, John Karle, Travis King, Christopher Nigro, Madison Port, Hannah Snowden, Aaron Taylor, Cameron Wells and Cameron Williams.

For weather information and updates, call 843-280-5570, ext. 1 by 4 p.m. on Oct. 26. In case of rain, the event will be rescheduled for Sunday, Oct. 27. For more information or day of the event news, call the North Myrtle Beach Parks and Recreation Department at 843-280-5584 or visit facebook.com/NMBParksAndRec.