HALLOWEEN OFFERS ALTERNATIVES TO TRICK-OR-TREATING; EVENTS AT MALL, OSAGE CENTRE

Last year, Carol Mazza saw only 11 trick-or-treaters, but this year is sure to be different.

Mazza, marketing director at West Park Mall, expects more than 5,000 children to trick-or-treat tonight during the annual Halloween event at the mall, which first began in 1990.

"This is my first one," Mazza said. "Essentially, we will turn the mall over to them. We don't expect much business."

Registration for the costume contest begins at 5:30 p.m. at the main entrance, with trick-or-treating from 6-8 p.m. Prizes will be awarded in three categories: age 10 and under, age 10 and older and groups. The trick-or-treating party is also sponsored by KGMO and KYRK Mix 104.7 radio stations.

All the stores at the mall will be participating, Mazza said. A pumpkin will be displayed in the window of stores that are giving out candy.

"We're looking forward to a good time, regardless of what the Mother Nature gives us, we'll be warm, dry and protected," she said.

Weather forecasters predict temperatures to be in the mid-50s Friday with a 40 percent chance of rain.

Like mall merchants, Dawn Smith also expects a crowd on Halloween, but for a different type of event.

Smith has organized Lynwood Baptist Church's third annual Fall Festival. The event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Osage Community Center. Admission is a canned good which will be donated to the FISH food pantry.

"It's a Christian alternative that's geared to the whole family," said Smith, childhood education director for the church.

In its short existence, the fall festival has tripled in size. "The first year it was just the congregation and the next year it was at (Alma) Schrader and we were just packed to the walls," Smith said.

Although the church has done some advertising, most of the information has been passed by word of mouth. "A lot of people from other churches came and now we are getting calls from others wanting to know what we do and how we do it," Smith said. "Our goal is all the same -- to get people to church."

By moving the festival to the Osage Community Center, it makes the event more accessible to the entire community, which is one of their goals, she said.

"It's open to the community and we have been able to make contacts and meet people who were searching," she said. "When we first planned it, it was geared to outreach. It's a good, non-threatening way to meet people from the church. Through that many people have continued to be involved in Lynwood and have grown spiritually. They felt comfortable."

The fall festival is geared to children from preschool age to sixth grade. Costumes are acceptable, but the church has requested that there be no scary costumes. It will feature 21 different games, ranging from a duck pond to a rodeo cowboy booth.

Youth and senior adult members of the church will volunteer at the booths. The senior adults enjoy the festival because they are able to see the children without any of the hassles of Halloween, Smith said.

Lynwood first organized its fall festival as a Christian alternative to Halloween. "The church was concerned about the things that happen on Halloween," Smith said. "At first members were leery and not sure how the children would react. But now, given the choice they would rather go to the fall festival than trick or treat. We're glad to be able to provide them a safe and Christian atmosphere."

First Baptist Church in Jackson wanted to extend it's Random Acts of Kindness throughout the year, so offering an alternative to Halloween seemed like a good way of interacting with the community.

The church is hosting a fall carnival from 6 to 8 p.m. at the fellowship hall, 212 S. High St. Children preschool age through sixth grade are invited.

"It gives kids an alternative to going door to door," said Pam Sparks, a church member. "

The carnival idea originated with Kevin Roberts, minister of education for the church. "He was looking for ways to involve the community," Sparks said.

In the summer, the church sponsored a similar carnival-type event at the end of Vacation Bible School. "It's set up like a carnival with apple bobs, darts and a pumpkin toss," Sparks said.

Church members have donated candy and area stores have donated toy prizes. This is the first year the church has sponsored the event.

At another Jackson church, children can participate in a "trunk or treat."

Rev. Mike Huffman, youth pastor for First General Baptist Church in Jackson, said church members will offer treats from the decorated trunks of their vehicles.

"We read about it in a magazine and the people were tickled to have it," he said. Huffman plans to decorated the bed of his pickup truck.

By having the church-sponsored event, children are still able to trick-or-treat, without having to travel across town or only to selected houses.

The event begins at 5 p.m. and includes candy, hot dogs and apple cider.

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS

Use makeup instead of masks when creating costumes so that vision isn't obstructed. Costumes should be flame resistant and short enough to prevent children from tripping or falling. Children should wear well-fitting sturdy shoes. Carrying a flashlight or lantern while trick-or-treating helps illuminate dark streets and makes children more visible. Costumes also can be decorated with reflective tape to help ensure visibility. Homeowners should repair broken steps, porch rails and fill holes in the yard to prevent accidents as trick-or-treaters arrive. Candlelit jack-o'-lanterns and indoor jack-o'-lanterns should be kept away from anything that can easily ignite. Motorists should reduce speed and drive with extra caution in neighborhoods where children will be out. Adults should accompany small children as they visit neighborhood houses. Do not enter homes unless accompanied by an adult. Trick-or-treaters should only visit houses where residents have outside lights on as a sign of welcome. Warn children not to eat any of their treats before they get home. Examine all treats before allowing children to eat them.Sources: Cape Girardeau Area Safe Kids Coalition and American Optometric Association.