The fourth annual Witches’ Midnight Market will be held from 2-10 p.m. Saturday in downtown Lehighton.

Hosted by the Lehighton Area Merchant Association, there is no fee to enter the market, and both free public and paid private parking is available.

Tina Henninger, organizer of the event and treasurer of the Lehighton Area Merchants Association, said the event was created four years ago “as a way to help our local mom-and-pop businesses survive in the era of big box stores and online shopping, as well as bringing our community together to support the renewal of our historic downtown.”

Henninger described what makes it such a sought after event.

“It’s popular because it’s fun, the vibes are fabulous; we make sure it does grow every year,” Henninger said. “We do a lot of interactive things, do a lot of dancing, have live bands, a DJ; we keep changing it up every year.”

Costumes are encouraged, but not required.

The market has 170 vendors and a dozen food trucks, free entertainment, a judged costume contest for both people and pets. The Hexenbrut (Witch’s Dance) will be danced at 4 p.m., again at 6:30 p.m. directly after the Witches’ Walk, and again at 8 p.m. All are welcome to join in.

There is free entertainment including live musical performances, live DJ and local comedians.

The list includes: Slade Heller, 2-2:30 p.m.; Geode, 2:45-3:45 p.m.; Elissa Janelle Velveteen, 4-5 p.m.; On the Cusp, 5:15-6:45 p.m.; Hatter, 7:15-8:45 p.m.; and Red Echoes, 9-10 p.m.

Parking with shuttle service is located at Lehighton Outdoor center, just off Route 209 North, and at the Lehighton Area Middle School on Beaver Run Road. Net proceeds from the middle school parking will help the PTO fund programs for students.

New to this year’s event is a real-life gaming quest to the market. Register at witchesnightmarket.com to take part in the game. Using your smartphone, gather spells, ingredients, and other items to increase your total score. Keep your eyes open for QR codes throughout the event space, you never know what rewards it will bring you.

Last year’s event had about 140 vendors and drew over 10,000 people into the historic downtown area, making it one of the largest one-day Halloween events in Pennsylvania.

Henninger pointed out that the event is far-reaching, as it attracts various visitors from out of the area, such as Philadelphia and New York.

“We even had someone fly over from England last year,” she said. “It’s a big infusion for our local economy of outside cash.”

Henninger said the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau has really stepped up in helping promote the event, as the Witches’ Midnight Market is on 27 billboards this year.”

A map of vendors, food trucks, stages, etc. can be found on witchesnightmarket.com.