SEVERAL HALLOWEEN EVENTS SCHEDULED IN CAPE AREA

Halloween fun isn't relegated to one night anymore. Celebrating starts tonight and continues through Oct. 31.

Miniature hobgoblins and other Halloween apparitions can do some early haunting beginning at 6 tonight at A.C. Brase Arena.

Others with a taste for spooky outdoor adventure likely will find it at tonight's opening of the Black Forest Haunted Ghost Town. Called "Dare to be Scared," the haunted ghost town at Black Forest Village opens at 6 p.m. and closes at 10 p.m. tonight, Saturday and Oct. 25 and 26. Admission prices are adults $3 and children 6-12, $2. Children under 6 are admitted free.

At A.C. Brase Arena, youngsters 2 through 12 can take part in an evening laced with contests, games, and Halloween fun, said Chris Eastridge, recreation programmer with the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department.

Called Halloween Happenings, the children's night begins at 6 p.m. with coloring and pumpkin-carving contests. The event is free.

On the heels of the first hour of fun, a costume carnival begins at 7 p.m.

Though Halloween is still a week and a half away, the children's event is planned early to pave the way for another annual Parks and Recreation Department event, the Haunted Hall of Horror. Arena basement and main-floor levels are transformed into ghoulish decor for the haunted house, which begins Oct. 25, Eastridge explained. "Our new scene this year is a meat-cleaver scene," he said.

Haunted Hall of Horror dates are 7-11 p.m. Oct. 25-27 and Oct. 29-31. Admissions are adults $3 and children $2.

While the Hall of Horror is sure to scare Halloween enthusiasts, tonight's event is aimed toward providing children an early treat.

Registration for the Halloween Happenings costume carnival will be at the Arena entrance. Doors will open about 5:30, Eastridge said.

Costume contestants will be divided into four categories: funniest; most creative; cutest; and scariest. Age categories are 2 through 4, 5 through 8, and 9 through 12.

Accompanied by escorts, each costume contest participant will ascend a stage for consideration by three judges. Winners will take home trophies.

Pictures and crayons are provided for the coloring contest, which is geared toward children 3 through 7. Children 8 through 12 must supply their own pumpkins and carving tools.

Parents should supervise their children and may help them with the pumpkin carving, Eastridge noted.

Both contest contains age divisions. Ribbons will be awarded to the top three winners in each age category.

For young pre-Halloween revelers who may not want to color or carve games such as a ring toss, bowling and miniature golf will be available, Eastridge said.

Local magician Bill Coomer will perform while the judges tally their costume contest votes, Eastridge explained.

Children may also play in a hay maze following the costume contest, he said.

When Oct. 31 arrives, West Park Mall merchants will be ready with their annual trick-or-treat night. Trick-or-treat hours will be 6-8 p.m. on Halloween, said Suzanne Yoder, West Park Mall marketing director.