Heather Dunlap stood outside Dollar General handing out candy to hundreds of ghosts, goblins, monsters and the occasional cartoon character Monday night.

Tuesday, October 26, 1999

Heather Dunlap stood outside Dollar General handing out candy to hundreds of ghosts, goblins, monsters and the occasional cartoon character Monday night.

Farther down Third Street, finished and ready to count confections, 6-year-old Kayla Wright opened her bag of treats.

Other ghouls and ghosties lined sidewalks, waiting for the annual Ironton Business Association Halloween parade.

"It’s been non-stop since we opened the doors at 5:30," said Lou Pyles, IBA co-president, handing out candy inside the Ironton City Center.

This year’s Safe Trick-or-Treat night attracted probably the largest crowd ever, and businesses were happy to oblige, Mrs. Pyles said.

"It’s really been fun and well-organized," she said. "A lot of parents told me they don’t take (their children) door-to-door, so it’s nice to bring them here."

Children lined up inside the city center, walking past Dracula’s "tombstone" and the skeletal "remains" in the fountain to accept treats.

"It’s pretty nice, and you don’t really have to worry because it’s safe," said Sherry McSorley, who brought her 8-year-old son, Tylor, otherwise known as Darth Maul, from South Point.

Also in line, 8-year-old Bryan Hall said he liked dressing in costume the most.

"When we dress up we get a lot of candy and everything," Bryan said from behind his Hulk Hogan mask. "It’s fun to be your favorite person."

IBA co-president J.D. Carey, owner of Papa John’s Pizza, handed out slices of cheese and pepperoni to the hungry trick-or-treaters.

"I’ve given out 30 pizzas and I’m bringing in more," Carey said shortly before the 7 p.m. parade.

The treats and parade are meant to give area children a place to trick-or-treat safely, he said.

"And it’s a way for businesses and myself to show the community thanks for their business," Carey said.

Costumed children who entered the annual best-dressed contest paraded between the Ironton High School and junior high bands.

Winners were:

– TV characters: First, Shelby Dalton; second, Brittany Lyons; third, Kaleb and Katilyn Scott.

– Space characters: First, Sean Lawless; second, Taylor Philgrove; third, Jenny Vulhop.

– Witches: First, Karyl Easterling; second, Brittany Crabtree; third, Heather Easterling.

– Most original: First, Jaylynn Pine; second, Ethan Barker; third, Skyler Cunningham.

– Clowns: First, Miranda Cremeens; second, Ryan Caplinger; third, Dalton Heineman.

– Ghosts: First, Ryan Fugett; second, Benjamin France; third, Sam Butterbaugh.

– Ugliest: First, Tyler Cavin; second, Blake McBride; third, Jimmy Holschuh.

– Most comical: First, Rikki Hamilton; second, Anna Thibodaux; third, Ashley Thibodaux.

The parade organization, judging and prize money sponsorship was a cooperative effort among the Ironton Rotary Club, the Lions Club and the Ironton Recreation Department.

Judges were volunteers from civic and business clubs.

Hecla Water provided the judging platform and Auto Zone provided the judging area.