The 10th annual Halloween Spooktacular event took place in Waynesburg, along High Street, Oct. 31. Fifty-one participants from local businesses dressed up for a costume contest. Costumes were judged in the morning and more than $500 in awards were given out to winners in several categories.

The event was created a decade ago and is sponsored by the Greene County Chamber of Commerce and Borough of Waynesburg, who work together to coordinate it.

“We just thought it would be a fun community – and business-oriented event to do,” said Athena Brown, administrative assistant with the Borough of Waynesburg.

The crowd of participants included employees of the Borough and Chamber of Commerce members, according to Brown. Every year, the contest has a deadline for participants to apply, in order to prepare for the event.

With 51 costumes this year, this year’s Spooktacular was one of the most highly-attended in the event’s short history. Some of the costumes included those from the Treasurer’s Office dressing up as Pittsburgh Pirate pierogis, Register and Recorder’s Office employees dressed up as nerds and First Federal employees as 80s girls.

“The judges really had their hands full in making a decision,” said Brown. “It was really tough being a judge.”

The awards given out recognized the top three finishers for individual costumes and group costumes, as well as for originality. A last-minute award was created this year, the ‘Most Exciting Award,’ due to the creativity of the field of participants.

Five Kidz Kandy employees were in on the event,  among many of the businesses on High St. The shop employees dressed up as Beanie Babies – a popular item at the store throughout the year. Haley Fullerton, an employee, dressed up with the store owner.

Fullerton was impressed by a lot of the costumes she saw other business dress up in.

“We went a little earlier in the day to be judged,” said Fullerton. “We didn’t get to see all the costumes, but there were a lot of creative ideas out there.”

Other businesses on High Street, like Four Hoursemen Comics and Gaming, have been taking part in the Halloween festivities all month long.

“All this month we have had Halloween – and horror-type games being played,” said Eric Moore, owner of the comic book shop. “Saturday nights we always try to do party style games.”

This past Saturday, however, was the store’s official Halloween party. Food and snacks were provided for all those who came out. College students and members of the community came dressed as their favorite superheroes and more.

In addition, the game ‘Werewolf’ was played in light of the holiday. This is a game for larger groups and brings people together in a social setting.

“I bet we had 20 people in the back for it,” said Moore. “It was a good night.”