Half of Lincoln City turned out for Spooky Spectacular at the Lincoln City Outlets Monday night, getting candy and compliments on their rain spattered costumes.

The event was put on by Kiwanis and many of Lincoln City’s smaller citizens were moving around the parking garage gazing in awe at animated decorations. Almost everyone dressed up as evidenced by soldiers, ninjas, fairies and LED suit people roaming the structure.

Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lori Arce-Torres said it was nice to have people walking through after two consecutive years of drive-thru events.

Most people witnessed by this reporter were smiling or eating candy, with the occasional family saying hi to each other. More than a few mentioned how nice it was to be in-person for Halloween this year. A few smaller kids were terrified of a couple costumes and exhibits, but that was rare.

Some children were obviously suffering from sugar highs as they were speaking rapidly, pulling things apart, and going from standing to running in less than a second.

It was a packed house, but orderly lines formed and moved semi-briskly.

One third grader, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal from ghosts, said she had an excellent time and would be coming back next year. She also promised not to eat all her candy in one sitting.

“I have school tomorrow,” she said. “I’ll eat the rest after school tomorrow.”

Like some weird dream, dinosaurs roamed alongside fire fighters, clowns and even a spaceship at the Faith Baptist Church annual “Trunk or Treat” gathering Saturday night.

Cars and vans replaced neighborhood homes as dispensers of sweet Halloween treats to swarms of costumed children and adults.

Rushing from car to car to gather candy and marvel at each other’s costumes, everyone seemed to be having a fun time. Said one superhero, “I got soooo much candy!” Members of the church donated all the candy as well as popping popcorn and hosting games in the basement.