WEST PARK MALL WELCOMES TRICK-OR-TREATERS FOR HOLIDAY FUN

Trick or treaters can "shop" for Halloween goodies from 6 to 8 tonight at West Park Mall.

The mall has been hosting its Halloween party for about five years now, said Suzanne Yoder, marketing director.

"We'll get about a thousand" trick or treaters, Yoder said, adding the crowds get bigger when the weather's nasty.

The forecast says rain is possible tonight, which means more little ghosties and ghoulies could be headed to the mall.

"We'll probably be packed," Yoder said. "They all come in different entrances, but they tend to form their own line. They just go from store to store" collecting candy and goodies.

Participating stores will be marked with signs, she said.

The mall also will sponsor a costume contest with mall gift certificats for the winners. A face-painting booth also will be open, and the Southeast Missouri Music Academy's children's choir will perform, Yoder said.