I've heard some surprising complaints from friends and neighbors about decoration theft during the Halloween season. What's surprising is that I had no idea there was a black market for stolen holiday decorations. As we approach the Christmas season, I'd like to urge readers to not buy holiday decorations from dubious sources.

When you do this you are helping create a market that results in friends and neighbors having their holiday decorations stolen. It ruins the holiday spirit for folks, too. And keep an eye out for your neighbors. If it's 4 a.m., and you see someone pulling down holiday decorations, they may not be doing so legally.

It would a shame if thieves were allowed to wreck the holiday spirit that Hampden has become world famous for.

Winners of this year's HalloweenFest costume contest -- sponsored by the Hampden Village Merchants Association and Hampden Kiwanis Club -- are:

Ages 2 and under: Alexis Morgan and Maximus Micesse (funniest), and Alissa Haines (most original).

Ages 3 to 4: Sofia Woods (prettiest), Jaden Ayers (funniest), and Logan Haines (most original).

Ages 5 to 6: Shoelin Tull (prettiest), Christopher Westbook (funniest), and Andrew Murray (most original).

Ages 7 to 8: Noah Hassan (prettiest), Mackenzie Ennsor (funniest) and Caleb Ludwig (most original).

Ages 9 to 10: Lucretia Field (prettiest), Kasidie Leybold (funniest) and Victoria Lee (most original).

Ages 11 to 12: Selena Wenderoth (prettiest), Destiny Knott (funniest) and Cassie Hester (most original).

Ages 13 to 17: Jordan Jacobs (prettiest), Ivana Isbert (funniest) and Joel Callaway (most original).

Adult: Angel Reid (prettiest), Bradley Brooks (funniest) and Abby Taylor (most original).

Congratulations to all the winners! And to the losers, better luck next year. One trick I have learned over the years about costumes is, when in doubt, always add more fake blood.

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