A Halloween-themed carnival offers a twist on the traditional carnival scene this weekend in Freeport.

The giant skeleton that greets visitors at the third annual Freeport Halloween Carnival sets a spooky but family-friendly tone.

Attendees are encouraged to dress in Halloween costumes.

The event continues from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday .

Admission is free.

Sunny skies and crisp fall temps greeted visitors Saturday.

Joyce Hanz | Tribune-Review Carnival-goers make their way to the midway Saturday at the 3rd Annual Freeport Halloween Carnival.  

Janie Spataro of Harrison grew up in Freeport. She brought her son, Saverio, to the event, which is being held at James E. Swartz Sr. Memorial Field in downtown Freeport, for food and fellowship with friends.

“He’s loving the pizza, rides and funnel cakes,” Spataro said while Saverio, 2, noshed on a large slice of pizza. “It’s our first time here, but it’s very nice.”

Gianna DeMonte, 8, of Slickville stayed busy on a variety of carnival rides with her family and cousin, Jasmine Carricato, 11, of Apollo.

They both gave the Tornado ride a thumbs up.

“I give it a 5 out of 10 on extremeness,” Jasmine said. “I think it’s nice here and the rides are good.”

Gianna agreed.

“I really liked the Tornado because you can control how fast you spin,” she said.

Joyce Hanz | Tribune-Review Customers line up for funnel cakes Saturday afternoon at the Freeport Halloween Carnival.  

Food trucks offered classic festival fare such as pizza, burgers, chicken, funnel cakes, doughnuts and more. An ATM is onsite.

First-time vendor Teresa Cornman of Freeport owns Teresa Crafts with her daughter, Tiffany.

The mother-daughter duo make custom wood crafts.

“This is good for Freeport and the community,” Teresa said. “It’s a little chilly but nice, because it’s not raining,”

Live entertainment, games, tarot card and palm readers, magic shows, face painting and balloon twisting are a few family-friendly activities.

For more information, visit Freeport Halloween Carnival on Facebook.

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