By By BEN RAYMOND LODE / Niles Daily Star
NILES -- Last year's Simplicity Pattern-sponsored Halloween Costume Contest in Niles drew roughly 100 young and cutely-dressed contestants from grade school and under.
Event organizers hope to repeat last year's success when the second annual costume contest takes place on Friday, Oct. 25, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Riverfront Park Amphitheater in downtown Niles.
Prizes will be awarded for several age groups, including a grand prize for the most creative home sewn Halloween costume.
And, unlike last year, this year's contest is also open for junior high school students and adults.
Baber said after last year's success, area merchants have been excited about this year's contest and many have already donated gifts that will be given out on contest day.
Gifts include gift certificates, bags of candy, and amongst other things, car washes from gas stations, Baber said.
She hopes there will be many entries in the home-sewn category, a group that will be judged by people with much sowing experience.
But the costume contest isn't the only event created to attract families to downtown on Oct. 25
The costume contest is held in conjunction with the downtown Niles Merchants Association's "Downtown Safe Trick or Treat," held on Main Street from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. the same day.
Baber is glad to see Niles making an effort to create a positive environment in its downtown area.
Baber, however, is also glad the company she works for supports the event by donating prizes.
Lisa Croteau, Downtown Development Authority director, said the Trick or Treat event is in its fourth year.
Adults therefore, unlike the children who will be given candy and other goodies, will be given a goody bag containing information related to recent downtown developments.
Outdoor events this time of year are somewhat dependent on the weather, and last year's costume contest and Trick or Treat was held in cold but clear weather. Baber, however, doesn't think the weather will be a factor for the people participating in any of the events.
For more information on the events, call Baber at 683-4100, or Lisa Croteau at the DDA on 687-4432.