Dressing up for Halloween isn’t limited to kids. Last Saturday area adults had their chance to take part in the fun with a number of local bars holding costume contests as part of a night of early Halloween spookiness, including the Clearwater American Legion and The Brickyard in Clear Lake.

The American Legion’s Octoberfest & Halloween Party began at 5 p.m. with food and drink specials. A DJ offering karaoke added to the fun, with more and more people getting up on stage to sing their favorite songs as the night wore on.

Costumed patrons lined up at 10 p.m. to take part in the costume contest. First prize went to “The Flintstones,” a group of four dressed up as the well-known figures of Fred Flintstone (Chad Koren), Wilma Flintstone (Kari Mechtel), Barney Rubble (Brandon Weis) and Betty Rubble (Emily Jaker).

Second place was taken down by “Walker, Texas Ranger” and one of his captured criminals, and a Packer fan and referee tackled third place. The top three were awarded prizes for their efforts.

Over in Clear Lake, people were enjoying free jello shots and a snack bar at The Brickyard’s Halloween Bash. With the bar and grill filling up with patrons dressed in creative attire, their costume contest took place a little later in the evening, starting at 11:30. With cash prizes on the line for the top three places competition was fierce.

First place was awarded to a costume of the well-loved children’s game “Operation.” A group of 1920’s “flappers” and their dates danced their way into second place, which included Pat and Shelley Arnold, Carol Schendzelios, Kathy Goenner and Felix and Rose Schmiesing.

Third place was given to an old costume standby, Hugh Hefner and one of his Playboy Bunnies.

Other bars in the area were also offering costumed fun that evening, including Beck’s Pub in Becker. It was a weekend that gave everyone a chance to eat, drink and be spooky.