YOUNG GOBLINS TAKE OVER

Things got a little warm for the tin man.

The tiny Pekingese dog appeared to be getting use its antlers.

The Grim Reaper came in many disguises.

There was Darth Vader, a princess, a ghost and some western wranglers.

'Twas the night of Halloween, and whether you were at West Park Mall's annual trick-or-trick spectacular, Lynwood Baptist Church's annual fall festival at the Osage Community Center, the annual Community Harvest at West Side Church of God, or a number of other special "Spooktacular" events, youngster and adults alike were having fun.

Thousands of people turned up for the annual mall event, including babes in arms, parents and grandparents also in costume.

"We had more than 6,000 people at the mall event last year," said Judy Keele of KGMO Radio, who was registering contestants for the annual Halloween Costume Contest. "We're looking at that many, or more, this year."

There were more. About 2,000 more, said a mall spokesperson following the two-hour, trick-or-treating party, sponsored by the mall and KGMO and KYRX Mix, 104.7 for a sixth straight year.

The annual event, designed for youngsters and adults alike, drew more than 8,000 to its Saturday night celebration.

All the stores at the mall participated in the event. Large pumpkins, paper sacks, and bushel baskets were filled to the brim to start the never-ending, trick-or-treat lines throughout the mall.

Near event's end, costume winners were announced in three age brackets. Winners received a $25 mall gift certificates, and a video and T-Shirt from Radio 104.7.

Winners were: 0-4 years: Gabrielle Black; 5-8 years: Lauren Bishop; 9-12-plus: Carly Trautmein..

"This is our first year here," said Debby Ayers, of Jonesboro, Ill., who was visiting relatives in Cape Girardeau. "It looks like a fun time." Ayers was accompanied by her son, 9-year-old Dustin Ayers, his friend, 10-year-old Tony Rogriguez. The boys were dressed in "Grim Reaper" outfits.

Eddie and Alison Barnhill stopped off at the festivities en route to another party. Eddie was the tin man of the "Wizard of Oz," in a costume he constructed out of air-conditioning vents and other materials. Allison looked very much like Dorothy.

The Pekingese, looking like a miniature deer with its home-made rack of antlers, belonged to Donald Jacobs Jr., who was adorned in a Grinch outfit.

Jacobs and Diana Sannan brought their children to the festivities. The older Jacobs youngster, Donald, 7, was dressed as Darth Vader, and the younger Jacobs, Alec, 5, was a race-car driver. Rae Sannan, 6, looked like a princess.

Meanwhile, at the Osage Center, another element was added to the night's festivities -- games.

We have lots of games," said Dawn Smith, who helped coordinate the fifth annual Lynwood Baptist Church's Fall Festival, held form 6 to 8 p.m. at the Osage Center.

Smith, director of Childhood Ministries at the church, said the event was designed as safe, family-oriented alternative to Halloween.

Each year the extravaganza is open to all area children -- preschoolers through 6th grade -- and their families. Admission is a canned food item which goes to the FISH Food Pantry. Participants are treated to refreshments and treats.

"Many of the games were devised by Lynwood youth classes," said Smith. Games, about 20 of them, included bean bag tosses, a special "frog toss," duck ponds, and many other games.

Also on hand, and being well used, was the space walk.

"More than 800 people attended the event last year," said Smith. "And, we have a great crowd this year. The event has more than tripled in size since it started a few years ago."

Costumes are acceptable at the event, but the church has requested that there be no scary costumes.

Youth and senior adult members of the church volunteer at the booths.

The special event at West Side Church of God, on Bloomfield St., was presented from 7 to 9 p.m.. Carnival games, candy and prizes were available.

Another big event on Halloween night was a Halloween German Dance, held at the Bavarian Halle in Fruitland, where Marv Herzog and his Bavarian Band of Frankenmuth, Mich., performed, sponsored by Notre Dame High School.

Prizes were awarded for best costumes, although costumes were not required. A chicken and bratwurst dinner was served prior to the dance.