The ghosts, monsters, cartoon characters and superheroes that will rule the streets in about two weeks made their debut in Cape Girardeau Sunday at Halloween Happenings.

The event, organized by the Cape Parks and Recreation Department and held at the Osage Community Centre, gave children 10 and under a chance to compete for best costume in five categories: best superhero, best movie/cartoon character, best animal, most creative idea and best original (handmade).

Classic costumes were popular at the event, with many of the contestants dressed as pirates, vampires, ghosts, witches and cats. Four children were decked out in their own ninja costumes. Spider-Man was popular, as well, with two webslingers battling for best superhero.

One of the more unusual costumes belonged to Stephen Barker of Dexter, Mo., who was disguised as a gigantic McDonald's milkshake. He won third place for most creative costume among 3- to 6-year-olds.

"He really didn't think he'd win," said Stephen's mother, Kim.

Barker got the costume from her sister, who lives in Cape. "It was the only costume she had that would fit him," Barker said.

"It's just a safe and fun way for kids to celebrate Halloween," said Amy Roth, the Parks and Recreation Department's recreation coordinator. "A lot of the parents really get into it, too."

Halloween Happenings has been going on for over 10 years, Roth said. There were about 75 contestants at this year's event.

In addition to the costume contest, there was a pumpkin carving contest, a coloring contest and a magic show featuring the hobo-clown-magician Snickers, a.k.a. Brian Hedge.

msanders@semissourian.com

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