Officer Kevin Kosten, of the Niles City Police Department, stops by Eastside Elementary School Monday afternoon to give a lesson to students on Halloween safety. Kosten will give the same lesson to students in kindergarten through third grade throughout the district. (Daily Star Photo/JESSICA SIEFF)

Eastside Elementary School students were greeted by a special visitor Monday afternoon.

In an effort to educate children about Halloween safety, Office Kevin Kosten of the Niles City Police Department is making a stop at Niles area elementary schools speaking to kindergarten through third grade students.

Students will also receive glow sticks from the police department prior to the Halloween holiday.

Though the official day for tricking and treating might not be for another couple of weeks, Niles trick-or-treaters will get an early start with the annual Niles Costume Contest at the Niles District Library this Saturday, Oct. 24 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Children up to age 12 can take part in the costume contest, which awards prizes for various categories including the cutest and scariest costumes and there will be door prizes, games and more.

The costume contest will be followed by the Safe Downtown Trick or Treat, from 4 to 5 p.m.

For more information stop by the Niles District Library or visit www.nileslibrary.com or www.nilesmainstreet.org.