"At this event, guests can expect good music, lots of candy and a variety of vendors," said Rebecca Wright of the Columbia Movers and Shakers Society, describing The Halloween Party in the Park. "They can also expect to see lots of cool decorations, tons of pumpkins and some very creative costumes."

The Columbia Movers and Shakers Society will host the event in Locust Street Park, 550 Locust St., Columbia, on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 3 to 7 p.m. The rain date will be Sunday, Oct. 29.

At least 20 vendors will be on hand for the party, including Levi Spray Art, Cooper's Comics & Collectibles, Your Highness and A. Face Painter. Each vendor will hand out candy to trick-or-treaters.

A costume contest for people of all ages will take place at 6 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for best kids' costume for children age 12 and under, best teen costume for people ages 13 to 17, best adult costume for those age 18 and up, best duo costume for people of all ages and scariest costume for people of all ages.

Music2Dance2Radio, a local internet radio station, will serve as DJ for the event. People may patricipate in a pumpkin hunt by purchasing a pumpkin by Wednesday, Oct. 25. Pumpkins will be decorated with the name of the purchaser's choice and will be hidden in the park for people to hunt, find and take home.

At 7 and 8 p.m., Chris Vera of the Columbia Historic Preservation Society will lead two tours through Mount Bethel Cemetery, located at 700 Locust St. The tours are free, but reservations are required and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Columbia Movers and Shakers Society is a group of community members, business owners, artisans and like-minded individuals who want to shake things up and make things happen, Wright explained. The Halloween Party in the Park offers a way for the group to give back to the community and work toward its goal of becoming a nonprofit organization.

Proceeds from the party will benefit both the Columbia Movers and Shakers Society and Raven Ridge Wildlife Center.

The Columbia Movers and Shakers Society has had a goal of becoming a nonprofit since it first organized in 2021, Wright said.

"We have spent the entirety of 2023 researching, discussing and organizing ourselves so we could be prepared to take the first step and officially start the process," she shared. "Our goal is to begin the filing process in early 2024 and hopefully finish by the end of the calendar year."

She encourages anyone with an interest in supporting Columbia to consider joining the organization. "We just want everyone to know that if you haven't found your group in Columbia then come join ours," she said. "The Movers and Shakers is a group of people who come from all walks of life, and together we just want to do fun things while giving back to our communities."

For more information on The Halloween Party in the Park, including to register as a vendor or sign up for the cemetery tour, search for "The 2023 Halloween Party in the Park" on Facebook.