Participants in the Traer Chamber of Commerce’s annual Halloween costume contest line up on stage for judging Friday, Oct. 30, inside the Memorial Building. More than 100 youngsters aged 0-12 years participated in the contest. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

TRAER – The boo crew, dressed to impress, turned out in full force for the Traer Chamber of Commerce’s annual Halloween costume contest, which took place this year on Halloween Eve, Friday, Oct. 30, in the downtown Memorial Building.

In a significant increase over last year’s turnout, 103 youngsters participated this time around, ranging in age from babies in arms to middle schoolers (11-12 years). From a tiny Wednesday Adams to The Waterboy’s Bobby Boucher, costumes ran the gamut and did not disappoint.

Following the contest, children and their caregivers spilled out onto Second Street for trick-or-treating at participating businesses.

As in years past, prizes were awarded for both the most original and best all-around costume in each of the age groups. The 2026 winners are listed below.

2026 Chamber Halloween Costume Contest winners

A toddler dressed up as Wednesday Adams exclaims with delight as a caregiver blows bubbles in an attempt to ward off the precocious youngster from removing her wig ahead of the judging. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

-Birth to 2 years: Parker/Dolly Parton (most original) and Kallie/monkey (best all around)

-3-4 years: Lance/trash panda (most original) and Tyler/dragon (best all around)

-5-6 years: Becken (most original) and Delta (best all around)

-7-8 years: Easton (most original) and Hannah (best all around)

-9-10 years: Kason (most original) and Dean (best all around)

PHOTOS BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

-11-12 years: Sarah (most original) and Michael (best all around)