GHOSTS, GOBLINS, GHOULS AND OTHER THINGS THAT GO 'TRICK OR TREAT'

The parties and outings that accompany Halloween offer children of all ages a chance to be someone or something else if only for a night. Children are thinking about all the candy they will receive, adults prepare for parties and homeowners seek fall decorations to lend a festive touch to their property.

The sales of costumes is well under way. Nancy Lambert, department head on the sales floor at Toys-R-Us, reports there will be a lot of Telle Tubbies roaming the streets this year. Following closely behind in sales are characters from the Blues Clues series. Lambert said old favorites like M&M characters are still popular. The Godzilla movie has also brought requests for the Godzilla mask.

"The Big Mac has been one of our best sellers," says Jim Kuehnert, Target's toys and seasonal manager. And no, this Big Mac doesn't wear a Cardinal uniform and carry a bat. McDonald's wear such as the Big Mac, shakes and fries costumes are very popular this season. For those out to really "frighten" people, Michael Myers is still a good choice. Kuehnert said the Scream mask is also a good seller. Most costumes range in size from infant to adult so there should be something for everyone.

Younghouse Distributing Co. employee Vicki Bard said sales were just as good for adults as they were for children. "Many employees wear costumes to work," Bard said. The old lady and old man masks and wigs are still very popular. Younghouse carries a complete line of Wizard of Oz costumes in a variety of sizes. Bard said these have been a real hit this year. "We've also had some calls for Bill and Monica; we have Bill and Hillary, but didn't get a Monica mask."

Those wanting to be especially ghoulish might visit Spencer Gifts in West Park Mall. "Our Scream masks have been going really fast," said Cabrina Raffety, part-time employee. The wrestling figures, Michael Myers and Freddie Kruger are also popular. Spencer's also carries a large line of accessories to make your home into a haunted kingdom.

Yard markers and signs, lighted ghosts and witches and artificial pumpkins have been quickly disappearing from store shelves. Some choose to be more realistic and decorate with real pumpkins, bales of straw, mums and cornstalks. Diebold Orchards in Scott County was out of corn stalks by mid-October. Employees felt people were decorating earlier this year. Diebold still offers a wide selection of Indian corn, mums and pumpkins of all sizes.

Anyone desiring a more glamorous look might find just what they're looking for at Carimar in West Park Mall. Assistant manager Angela Crook said Carimar carries a complete line of body glitter, hair gel, nail polish and lipstick in the seasonal colors of orange and black.

For those readers who might wonder what has happened to the cute little fairy princesses and action heroes, never fear. They're still going to be ringing your doorbell on Halloween night. When Jill Pinkston polled her kindergarten class at Scott City, she found Barbie, Beanie Babies, cheerleaders, brides, Power Rangers and Ninjas would be out trick-or-treating.

Those with a creative touch and some extra time can find a good selection of costume patterns and fabric at Hancock's. The Salvation Army store has even seen an increase in clothing sales as people are trying to come up with a less expensive way of creating a special costume.

In addition, Bonnie Ogle of Kmart said that bagged candy is flying off the shelves. She said all types of bagged candy is selling well and that people are shopping early to get the best selection.