From candy and costumes to pumpkins and ghosts, there's something for everyone at the Halloween Party in the Park. The event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 29, beginning at 4 p.m. in Locust Street Park, 550 Locust St., Columbia.

The party will be hosted by Columbia's Movers and Shakers Society, a group of volunteers, community members and business owners focused on promoting Columbia events and activities. "Everything we do is about community and collaboration," said Alison Liebgott, owner of Switchboard Studios in Columbia and one of the event organizers. "This year's party is going to be twice as big as last year."

The party will feature music by DJ Eric Michaels of Music 2 Dance 2 Radio, along with vendors, who will be hosting a candy walk. Chickies Rock Moose Lodge is donating trick-or-treat bags for kids to collect candy, said Rebecca Wright, a member of the Movers and Shakers. "It's going to be an opportunity for kids to go trick-or-treating in a safe environment," she stated. "We have 16 vendors signed up so far." Vendors will include Parma Pizza & Grill, Eisenhaur's Sweets and Eats, Masonic Lodge 286 and AAA Central Penn. The Inversion Co. will be on-site with aerial silks demonstrations, and Columbia-based ghost hunter Rick Fisher will sign copies of his books. A Halloween photo booth will also be set up.

"We will be having our annual pumpkin hunt as well during the party," Liebgott said. To participate, people can prepurchase a pumpkin, which Liebgott will decorate with a name and design, and the party organizers will hide the pumpkins around the park. "You can come to the party and hunt for your pumpkin," she explained.

At 7 p.m., a costume contest will be open to the public, featuring five categories - best kids' costume for children age 12 and under, best teen costume for teens ages 13 to 17, best adult costume for those age 18 and up, best duo costume for people of all ages and scariest costume for people of all ages. The winner of each category will receive a prize.

Chris Vera of the Columbia Historical Preservation Society will host walking ghost tours of downtown Columbia and the Columbia Market House dungeon during the Halloween Party in the Park. Two tours will be offered - one at 6 p.m. and one at 7 p.m. - and space is limited.

Proceeds from the party will be donated to Raven Ridge Wildlife Center and will also benefit Columbia's Movers and Shakers Society, which is working on applying for 501(c)(3) status.

"This party is where you want to be for Halloween," Liebgott remarked. "Last year, we had 350 people come through, and we expect more this year. It's truly a community Halloween party."

The rain date for the party is Sunday, Oct. 30. For more information on the party, search for "Halloween Party in the Park" on Facebook. To sign up for the pumpkin hunt or the ghost tours, visit http://www.switchboardstudiosandgallery.com.