Buchanan’s seventh annual Trek-or-Treat, which conceals costumed characters in the woods while showing off meandering McCoy’s Creek Trail, takes place Saturday, Oct. 27, from 12:30 to 2 p.m.

Trees in E.B. Clark Woods on Schirmer Parkway provide cover for the Jolly Green Giant, Darth Vader, Batman, witches and real firefighters.

“It’s a perfect spot,” said Dick Proud. “They’ll be lined up to get in” to the Friends of McCoy’s Creek Trail non-scary afternoon candy collection for all ages.

Trek or Treat is in addition to traditional trick-or-treating on Halloween, Oct. 31.

Six hundred little goblins and their parents make the trek from not only Buchanan, but also surrounding communities such as Niles, Benton Harbor and South Bend.

“I am a character,” Proud said, but not costumed. He organizes them.

The longtime educator served as principal at Stark Elementary School and the middle school and taught at the high school.

Donna Southwell, city special projects manager, said the “micro-environment” reminds her of the Smoky Mountains the way water carves deep gorges.

Buchanan obtained a $388,000 project through the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund to develop an urban trail from the St. Joseph River on the east end of the city climbing to a natural prairie to the west.

The creek is a designated trout stream.

Trek or Treat is not a fundraiser, but relies on community candy donations.

City Manager Bill Marx contributes two cases.

Some give money, others drop off sacks of sweets at City Hall, 302 N. Redbud Trail.