Before the Trojans take the field against Louisiana Monroe on Halloween night, there is tailgating to be done.

“As part of the series of Downtown Troy tailgates we’ve been doing, we are gearing the one next Thursday toward families and children,” said City of Troy Public Relations and Tourism Director Shelia Jackson.

From 3 to 6 p.m. on Oct. 31, the square will be alive with music, mystery and plenty of treats. According to Leigh Anne Windham with the Chamber of Commerce, many downtown merchants will be set up outside their businesses to pass out goodies to children who Trick-or-Treat downtown.

“There will also be the usual merchant specials,” Windham said. “It will be a perfect situation for families.”

Troy City Schools have been provided a coloring sheet for children to take home and any child who brings that sheet downtown on Halloween will receive a special treat, Jackson said.

There will also be a photo area set up where children can have pictures taken.

Appropriate for everyone, but a treat for adults, Populus and Casual, both local bands, will be performing at the downtown event.

Populus is a performing group that is part of the music industry program at Troy University and Casual has a repertoire of Top 40 music, according to Jackson.

“We’ve designed this event so families have time to come downtown, bring the kids, then go catch the game at 6:30,” Jackson said.