HalloweenFest draws families

The Annual Hampden HalloweenFest took place from 5pm until 8pm on Saturday, Nov. 3. The event, which was originally scheduled to take place earlier in the week was delayed due to Hurricane Sandy.

From 5pm to 6pm, the Hampden Village Merchants Association sponsored trick-or-treating along W. 36th Street, Falls Road and Chestnut Avenue. Various stores took part and gave out candy.

“The change in date was really last minute because of the storm but there’s still a good turn out tonight,” Debbie Stoll, who gave out treats on behalf of the store Kiss N’ Make-Up, said.

She explained that the event has been happening for approximately 40 years and has always been a success. Several merchants participated, and those in costumes ranged in age greatly, making the event accessible to many in the community.

Following the trick-or-treating, from 6pm until 8pm, there was a Halloween Costume Contest sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Hampden-Midtown and the Circle K Club from Hopkins. The event took place in front of Ma Petite Shoe.

Barricading the streets off for the contest took longer than planned, but by 6:15pm, the event was underway.

Contestants were divided into various age groups, ranging from two and under to 18 plus. Each age group was called forward and asked to walk around the judges.

After they had been judged, winners were announced and trophies were given to the best costumes in each age group. Prizes were given out for the prettiest, scariest and most original costumes in each age group except for those over 18. For the 18 plus category, only one trophy was awarded.

The Hopkins Circle K Club, a group dedicated to helping the Baltimore community, judged the event. The group aims to help by mentoring and teaching Baltimore youth. Their three primary goals include service, fellowship and leadership.

Members are urged to volunteer a minimum of 10 hours a semester. The club, which is sponsored by Kiwanis International, has participated in Hampden HalloweenFest for a few years now.

“I thought the event was a success. It had to be rescheduled and so there were fewer people than last year, but I thought it was a great turnout,” Junior Elizabeth Garcia, a member of the Circle K Club, said.

The costumes were diverse in not only the age groups wearing them but also in content. Everyone at the event had a different opinion on who should have won.

“A tree. Someone was dressed as a tree and it was really well done,” Stoll said, regarding her favorite costume.

Garcia preferred the scary costumes.

Pictures of all the costumes were taken throughout the event and can be found on both the Ma Petite Shoe and Hampden HalloweenFest Facebook pages. The event is scheduled to take place again next year.