Witches, Snow White, a bull rider, rodeo clown, and scarecrows

Witches, Snow White, a bull rider, rodeo clown, and scarecrows were among the characters who turned out Sat., Oct. 26, for the annual Backus American Legion Halloween Party. The event included potluck hors d'oeuvtres, the announcement of the annual Great Pumpkin
Weight Guessing Contest, a costume contest, complimentary cash and customer drawings and an award to Barb Frederick and Tony Mertens
for growing this year's pumpkin which weighed in at 274 pounds and three ounces on Pine River Iron and Metal's scale. The pumpkin contest included voluntary donations to area food shelves.
Barb Frderick, of Backus, as a senorita who lost her donkey, won third place in the Backus American Legion Halloween costume contest
Paula Kunde, Backus, won the annual Great Pumpkin Weight Guessing Contest, choosing 276
pounds, closest to the actual weight of 274 pounds
and three ounces.
Larry and Marty Whalen, Backus, as a rodeo clown and a
bull rider, took second place in the costume contest.
Darlene Willette, Motley, took first place in the costume
contest as a scarecrow
Party Master of Ceremonies Gary Dawson, as the Great Carmac, "divines" the weight of the Great
Pumpkin contained in a "sealed" envelope from a "sealed" jar. No surprise, Carmac guessed the exact
weight of 274 pounds, three ounces.
Gary Dawson interviews costume contestants during the judging
Three gals in costume at the Halloween Party
Costume Contestants applaud the winners
Costume contestants line up
Guests at the Halloween Party