Metro

Wednesday November 4, 2009

A halloween delight

By JEREMY TAN


THE kids were all geared for halloween and instead of tricking-and-treating, they gave a treat, especially to their audience.

They came dressed up as butterflies, fairies and princesses for the Helluva Halloween Children’s Costume Competition at Queensbay Mall on Saturday afternoon. Even though a few were dressed as witches and zombies, they looked adorable rather than scary.

Ten-year-old Tan Yi Ying emerged winner with the most eye-catching costume of all – parading on stage dressed as a tree.

A regular participant of singing, dancing and costume contests, she exuded confidence on stage – but was rather shy when interviewed, only saying she was very happy to have won.

The top three of Gurney Plaza's Halloween Costume Contest, winner Aaron Wew (middle), second placed Tan Yi Ying (right) and third placed Kelvin Lee.

Her mother Tan Lay Ai explained that the costume came about when Yi Ying took part in a musical and had to play the role of a tree.

“It is a great costume, so we decided to try it out for the Halloween contest instead of just putting it away,” she added.

Coming in second was another stage regular and winner of several previous costume contests – 12-year-old Hee Lee Joyce, who played an evil ice queen.

Hanie Daniela takes home the top spot in the 12-years and above category at Gurney Plaza's Halloween Costume Contest.

Flashing her cape around and laughing menacingly, she looked every bit the character she portrayed. When asked why she chose that character, she jokingly replied, “Because I’m evil too!”

Third place went to another 12-year-old, Teh Bren Jill, who was a pale and bloodied zombie. She said it was her brother who came up with the idea and helped with her costume and make up.

All contest participants, and other children who wore costumes, then went trick-or-treating around the mall, stopping at various outlets to collect sweets.

Later that night, Gurney Plaza’s alfresco area came alive during the Spell-binding Halloween Party featuring live band performances, stage games, pumpkin carving and costume contests.

The highlight of the night was the Costume Contest, divided in two categories – kids aged four to 12, and those aged 12 and above. Eight-year-old Aaron Ewe, who portrayed the titular character from the horror-flick Ju-On, was the crowd favourite with his amusing antics, and emerged champion in the children’s category.

Yi Ying, dressed in the same prize-winning tree costume from earlier in the day, emerged second this time, while 10-year-old vampire Kelvin Lee finished third.

In the other category, 18-year-old Hanie Daniela was victorious with her portrayal of a dark ghost, crawling around on stage menacingly to the tune of eerie music.

Second went to polystyrene monster Jade Goh, 38, while third placing went to Ewe Teik Keong, 15, an overworked student turned zombie.

The party continued on till midnight, with a live band and Michael Jackson impersonator keeping the crowd entertained.

As the clock struck 12, the ghastly creatures slowly dis-appeared into the night, to await their next opportunity to roam the world next Halloween.

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