On Saturday, Oct. 30, a committee of volunteers will be scaring up some fun in Columbia's Locust Street Park. They will be throwing a community Halloween party from 3 to 7 p.m. featuring fun for people of all ages, said Alison Liebgott, one of the organizers.

"We're trying to do something for the people in our local community that they don't have to drive to," she noted. "They can just walk to the park."

The festivities will include a pumpkin hunt. Participants may purchase a small pumpkin in advance for Liebgott to decorate with a glittery pawprint and the name of the person or pet of their choice. Liebgott will hide the pumpkins in the park, and people will be encouraged to go on a hunt for theirs. Proceeds from the pumpkin hunt will be split three ways - one-third will cover supplies to create the pumpkins, one-third will go to the Columbia Lions Club for upkeep of the park and one-third will be donated to the Columbia Animal Shelter. The deadline for reserving a pumpkin is Wednesday, Oct. 27.

Partygoers are encouraged to come in costume, and the event will include a costume contest with trophies awarded for various categories, including best children's costume, best adult costume, best family costume and best couples' costume. There will also be a trophy for best zombie costume, and Liebgott is inviting the community to learn the "Thriller" dance on the event's Facebook page prior to the party for a flash mob at the event.

"I would love for people to dress up in a zombie costume, get creative with their makeup and learn the dance so all the zombies can get up at a certain time to start dancing together," she stated.

Local businesses will have vendor spots set up throughout the park, and children are invited to participate in trick or treating, with bags donated by the Chickies Rock Moose Lodge in Columbia.

"It will be a safe space for trick or treating," Liebgott explained. "Each vendor will be handing out candy."

A photobooth will be set up in the park with a professional photographer, and Coffee and Cream will provide food for the party, including caramel candy apples, a hot cocoa bar, hot apple cider and baked treats.

Liebgott noted that the community Halloween party is just one of several holiday events happening in Columbia on Oct. 30.

"You could make it an entire day outing and spend it in town," she stated, adding that the Columbia Market House will be open with Halloween activities and Garth gallery will have a guest speaker in the afternoon talking about ghosts and more. The Chickies Rock Women of the Moose will host a fall craft show as well, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Columbia River Park.

"You could do all these fun things and work your way to (Locust Street) Park," Liebgott remarked. "We're kind of like the after-party. It's a nice way to spend time in town and then come right into the park for this free event."

For more information on the Halloween party or to reserve a pumpkin, visit http://www.missalisons.com and click on "Events."