BLOOMINGTON - Children dressed as football players, pirates and Harry Potter characters gathered Saturday at Illinois Wesleyan University's Shirk Center for the 12th annual Community Halloween Fair.

But it was a blue dinosaur costume, worn by Joshua Clark, 4, that won a prize for best costume of those attendees up to age 4.

"His grandma is going to be extra happy because she helped pick out the costume," said Joshua's mother, Shelly Dobbins of Normal. Joshua said his favorite part of the event was summed up in one word: "candy."

In addition to sweet treats, the event geared toward families with young children also offered costume contests, crafts and games.

"Every year it gets better. It gets a little bigger," said Corey Hardin, president of Catholic Charities, an event co-sponsor, noting more than 200 people attended this year. "People enjoy it. They look forward to it every year."

Attendance has been higher in some other years, but this year it competed with a new event on the same day, the Harvest Festival '07 at the Interstate Center in Bloomington.

The Ecology Action Center, Smith Institute of Martial Arts, Bloomington Public Library, Mount Pisgah Baptist Church in Bloomington and the Illinois State University branch of Phi Beta Sigma participated in the fair organized by Catholic Charities and the Illinois Wesleyan University Black Student Union.

Hardin began organizing the event while he was working at The Children's Foundation to try to provide a safe Halloween for children.

Hardin, a musician and singer, performed disc jockey duties at the fair.

Several young members of the Smith Institute of Martial Arts, Bloomington, demonstrated how one can defend oneself if attacked. They then displayed their ability to kick wooden boards in half.

At the table of the Normal-based Ecology Action Center, children made their own versions of jack-o-lanterns by wrapping wadded-up, recycled paper in cloth and then drawing faces with markers.

"It's great for the community. It's great for kids. Parents can enjoy the fun and activity," said Shawn Roberts, director of operations of Delta Automotive, Bloomington. Roberts was handing out cards that entitled the holders to free oil changes.

Jody Wanless of Bloomington attended the event with her daughter, Mirian, 9, dressed as a pirate; her son, Maximus, 6, dressed as a death eater from the Harry Potter books; and Marcus, 5, dressed as a football player. All three siblings enjoyed most of all jumping in the big, inflated jump house.

Families participated in scavenger hunts in which they attempted to visit the tables of nine participating organizations and receive a stamp from each table. The prize for collecting all stamps was a package that included board games and other materials that would promote family togetherness.

The price of admission was an unused toiletry item. Catholic Charities intends to give the collected items to the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry.