Nearly 400 residents came out for Oakwood Church’s seventh annual Hallelujah Party last Friday night, with most arriving dressed in their costumed best.
Superheroes, clowns, police officers, witches and animals of all varieties came through the doors to celebrate the season.
Attendees were greeted by Oakwood Pastor Gerry Bass, who was painted head to toe in gold, as was the rest of his family.
Activities were set up throughout the church, with attendees trying their hand at games and bouncing around in the inflatable.
Sarah Bass was kept busy giving guests colorful hairdos, while Ashley Haskin spent the evening adding scars and wounds to those who wanted to sport a little gore.
A highlight of the evening was the chili and dessert competitions, with local “celebrity” judges putting their taste buds to the test to determine the champion in each category.
Mayor Tracy Bertram, Police Chief Brent Baloun and Intermediate School Assistant Principal Mark Graham tried 16 different types of chili, ultimately determining the skills of Emily F. to be the winner.
The judges in the dessert category, Primary School Principal Dale Christensen, Firefighter Kent Granning and Primary School teacher Nate Bucher, had an even more difficult challenge, with 24 varieties of desserts put before them.
After sampling each, the pumpkin pie entry baked by Grace F. was proclaimed the winner.
Each winner was awarded a $100 prize and their category’s traveling trophy to bring home and display for the year.
After the judging, attendees were able to try the submissions themselves as they and other dishes were set out for everyone to enjoy during the community supper that followed.
Oakwood Community Church is located next to Becker Furniture World off Hwy 10.
