Hundreds of children from the D.C. area and their families got an early start on trick-or-treating at Kidsfest in the Marvin Center Sunday afternoon.

Students donned costumes and handed out candy from different booths that filled the Grand Ballroom. The day was designed to help families celebrate Halloween in a safe and secure environment during the day.

“The event is great and the kids seem to be having a fun time,” said junior Brenda Tobin, a volunteer at the Program Board table. “Kidsfest is a great way for the children of D.C. to celebrate Halloween safely during the day.”

The Kidsfest Committee ran the ninth annual event. Several student organizations set up booths full of activities for children such as cookie decorating and face painting.

Parents walked the children around the venue to trick-or-treat at different tables. Sharon Baratz brought her nieces, nephews and children to the event.

“It’s a fun time that children and families can have on a Sunday morning,” Baratz said, adding that this year was the first year she heard about the event.

Her son Benjamin, who was dressed as a clone from Star Wars, said his favorite game was pumpkin bowling.

Anna Holster, a resident from the Alexandria, Va., area, has attended the event for the past three years.

“The students are really friendly and it’s also great that the student groups have fun activities planned and not just candy,” Holster said.

“I’m psyched with the turnout of children and their families,” said Lizzy Cantor, a member of the Kidsfest Committee. Cantor added that the committee had increased its advertising efforts this year.

Kidsfest also organized “Residence Hall Trick-or-Treating” in Lafayette Hall throughout the day for the children.