BLYTHEWOOD – As thousands of trick-or-treaters converged on the VillageChurch’s annual Lake Scare-O-Lina Halloween festival, most were anything but scary.

They came as princesses, storybook characters, brides, dragons, frogs, ponies, puppies, crayons and every imaginable action figure one could think of.

But while they had cute, clever, creative costumes on their bodies, the little ghosts and goblins had only one thing on their minds – candy! And there was plenty of it, along with cotton candy and tables and tables of homemade desserts. And it was all free and fun.

There were hayrides and games, games and more games throughout the field of costumes. Some kids climbed the wall while others walked around a circle of straw bales to music to win dessert prizes. There was a dog dressed like a lion, face painting and balloon art.  Fathers and children dressed alike as pirates and Incredibles.

Some costumes were homemade while others were ordered. All added to the fun and festivities.

The event was held at the Jeep Rogers YMCA.