Costumed kids show off creativity

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Tucker Tesdal may not be super-sized, but his costume was at this year’s Morris Lion’s Club-sponsored costume contest. (Herald Photo by Heidi Terry-Litchfield)

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Rain couldn’t keep away the bats, witches, ladybugs, and fairies as over 200 people filled the Eagles Hall in downtown Morris Thursday night for the annual Lions Club costume contest.

The event, which has gone on in Morris for about 30 years, was scheduled to take place on the Grundy County Courthouse lawn, but the rain showers pushed it inside the Eagle Hall across the street. It is just the second time it’s been forced inside in the seven years Lori Linn has been involved.

“It’s a wonderful turn out for the weather we are having,” Linn said. “We didn’t expect as many kids with the rain.”

For 5-year-old Dimitri Lindemuth, the draw of his favorite candy, Smarties, wouldn’t let him stay home.

Lindemuth, dressed as a bat, was in his mother, Samantha’s, arms as the judges walked around the room deciding which children would go home with this year’s prizes.

The children are divided by age group and four prizes are awarded for each group.

The grand prize winner goes home with $30, the first place winner with $25, second place with $20, and third place wins $15.

All the participants go home with candy from the Lion’s Club before they take to the streets of downtown Morris, where businesses greet them with buckets of candy.

Jared Schneider’s mountain man costume came complete with an authentic fur hat he said he got from his father’s closet.

The costumes were as diverse as the children wearing them.

Abby Burns’ car hop costume was complete with roller skates she used to get around while carrying a tray with mock hamburger and fries.

“My sister was a waitress one year, but not a car hop,” Burns said. “My mom told me what a car hop was and helped me with the costume.”

Linn said they were ready to go with the outside event until the sprinkles of rain started, and at 4 p.m. they opted for the inside venue.

“We just want to do something nice for the community and give back in a way the kids can enjoy,” said Linn. “The parents are very creative and put a lot of time and energy into the amazing costumes.”

Costume Contest Winners

Ages 0-2

• Grand Prize – Caiden Nelson, caveman

• First Place – Peighton Wallin, sunflower

• Second Place – Shelby Welsh, Minnie Mouse

• Third Place – Allie Zink, ladybug

Ages 3-4

• Grand Prize – Dani Britt, Indian Princess

• First Place – Charlie Moan, George Washington

• Second Place – Grace Minnenga Goldilocks and the three bears

• Third Place –Devin Shenberg, Bad-erina

Ages 5-6

• Grand Prize – Tucker Tesdall, McDonald’s french fries

• First Place – Sam Lestina, Spongebob

• Second Place – Evan Stanford, shark

• Third Place – Victor Mullen, Abe Lincoln

Age 7-8

• Grand Prize – Sydney Safarcyk, Ice Cream girl

• First Place – Serena Hill, fifties girl

• Second Place – Gavyn Whelchel, bumblebee transformer

• Third Place – Jared Schneider, mountain man

Age 9-10

• Grand Prize –  Landon Flynn, Twinkie man

• First Place – Tagert Tesdall, King Kong

• Second Place – Karla Butler, Raggedy Ann

• Third Place – Jack Matthias, Hannah Montana

Age 11-12

• Grand Prize – Abby Burns, car hop

• First Place – Mariah Mitchell, mime

• Second Place – Shelby Ceci, ghoul

• Third Place – Josh Lain, hippie

Age 13 and up

• Grand Prize – Jake Ragen, Elvis

• First Place – Sarah Burns, Ladybug

• Second Place – Sam Obrachta, butterfly

• Third Place – Tristen DeGrush, evil clown

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