Having a spooktacular time

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Angelo Gonzalez, 4, trick or treats as Tiger and recieves candy from Danielle Holland, left, at Crackerjax in DeKalb, Ill., on Saturday Oct. 31, 2009. (Beck Diefenbach - bdiefenbach@daily-chronicle.com)

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DeKALB — Seth Hess wanted to be his favorite word for Halloween. So he was a hot dog.

"It's because I like to say, 'hot dog,'" said the 3-year-old Saturday, while trick-or-treating at businesses on Lincoln Highway. Seth was one of hundreds of youngsters who, in costume, flocked to downtown DeKalb on Saturday afternoon for Spooktacular.

More than 30 businesses participated in the two-hour trick-or-treating event by handing out candy to the ghosts, goblins and vampires. They filed in and out of each store — some even braved a kid-friendly tour of a haunted house at The Egyptian Theatre.

"It's just another way to celebrate Halloween and it keeps the kids busy," said Brianna Bacon.

She brought her 5-year-old son, Jacob, who was dressed as a ninja turtle.

"They all want to start trick-or-treating at 9 a.m. so this is the quickest they can get out there," Bacon said, noting that her family still planned to go door-to-door in the evening.

It was Bacon's third year participating in Spooktacular, she said, noting she also brought her sister, niece and nephew.

But the kids and families aren't the only ones who benefit from the experience.

Bliss Beads Studio and Gallery owner, Allison Johnson, enjoyed seeing all the new faces in her store Saturday, she said. Her business opened its doors in February.

"It's a good opportunity for people to come in and see what I'm all about," she said. "And it's fun! The kids' costumes are great."

Businesses without a storefront on Lincoln Highway still participated by stationing employees on sidewalks to hand out goodies. All the candy was donated by Nestle.

"There really isn't any reason for us not to come do this," said Doug Gendran, who took his three children to the streets of downtown DeKalb on Saturday. "If you ask them, they'll tell you they're here for the candy. But I really just like the change of scenery."

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