Hordes of zombies, witches, princesses and other costumed kids came out over the unseasonably warm weekend to celebrate an early Halloween.
At the Jefferson City Police Department (JCPD), hay rides were happening outside, while the inside was turned into a haunted precinct.
Telecommunications operator Celeste Suchanek, dressed as a zombie guard, was helping coordinate the event. She said they expected some 600 people.
"We started in 1998 or '99 and it has grown to (include) this outdoor event that the community has really enjoyed," she said.
Suchanek, a fan of "The Walking Dead," was dressed in a tattered police uniform, with ragged hair and makeup that gave her face a dirty and bloody appearance. She said other co-workers who watch the show inspected her costume for authenticity.
"You would think the kids would be scared to death, but they're not," she said. "They enjoy it."
The winner of the JCPD's costume contest was 9-month-old Josephine Farias, who went as a Cabbage Patch Kid. Also placing in the contest were Grant Ivy, who went as a vending machine, and Kaydence Turnbow, a good witch.
"There are several events today, so we're kind of hopping from one event to another," said Ivy's mom, Lisa.
When interviewed, Turnbow mostly wanted to talk about how awesome the Cabbage Patch Kid costume was. But the youngster eventually acknowledged her own accomplishment in placing. "That was so cool," said said. "And I love this dress!"
At the YMCA, they expected around 100 kids for their first haunted Halloween trail event. But there appeared to be that many or more lined up at the 6 p.m. start.
The Y set up various haunted stations (including in the fitness center, track, basketball courts, tennis court, etc) for kids and families to walk through. To balance out the candy and popcorn they gave the kids, they also gave them a little exercise.
At the basketball court, kids shot free throws before going into the tennis courts, where they could ride a bouncy horse along spider-web entangled tennis nets.
In the weight room, the lights were dimmed and fog filled the room, as kids bounced along a line of Bosu exercise balls to the ultimate goal: candy and a glow stick.
"We were looking for things to do for the community that are free, and a way to reach out to families and offer a safe alternative to walking in the streets on Halloween," said Program Director Isaac Williams.
The event was open to the whole community, not just Y members. Williams said the Y hopes to be able to continue the event again next Halloween.