Wareham Crossing will get its spook on for the third year in a row, at the annual Boo Bash Oct. 24.

The free event, which begins at 10 a.m. and lasts until 1 p.m., is centered (naturally) around Halloween, and benefits The United Way of Greater New Bedford, Wareham Crossing Marketing Director Niamh O’Maille said.

“Last year was the first year we did the food drive, and we collected around 10 pallets of food,” O’Maille said. “People were super-generous. I had a couple people who forgot or didn’t know, and they went over to Target and got some food – which we don’t expect. Anyone can come, no matter what!”

O’Maille said the three-hour event will feature family activities all over the center, starting with a kids’ trick-or-treating walk around all the shops. There will also be face painting for kids, pumpkin decorating, and horse-drawn hayrides.

“Josh and the JamTones are also going on at 11,” O’Maille said. “They are a lot of fun. There is a rumor they will be dressing up in Halloween costumes.”

O’Maille said last year’s event attracted around 450 youngsters.

“That doesn’t even include the parents!” O’Maille said. “We realized how popular it was, and when we realized how many people were coming to the center, we expanded it.”

Food items that can be accepted by United Way include dry pasta, canned sauces, canned vegetables, peanut butter, and other canned foods. To find complete list of food items, or for more information, visit Wareham Crossing’s event page.