DEMOPOLIS – Monsters, goblins and even a few princesses transformed the Demopolis Civic Center into their very own funhouse Thursday evening at the Demopolis Fall Festival.

The even began at 5 p.m. and admission was $2 or $1 and a canned good for families with children ages 3 months old to sixth grade.

As vehicles spilled out of the Civic Center parking lot onto Commissioners Avenue and Monroe Street, the children raced into the building for games, fun and most of all, candy.

“We made sure we had enough candy and prizes for everyone,” second-grade Westside teacher Tracy Stewart said. “We want them to go home with a bag full of stuff. Hyper and happy.”

The event featured various game booths where children could win books, toys and candy.

Tickets to play the games were $1 a piece, but it was well worth it for the parents to see the excitement on their child’s face when they were able to complete the task at hand.

Games ranged from “fishing” and a baseball toss to finding a buried treasure and bingo.

A free photo booth, where each student went home with a 4×6 picture, replaced last year’s costume contest and students even had the opportunity to get their faces painted.

According to Stewart, all the proceeds will be divided among the 70 faculty members who are volunteering their time at the event.

“The big thing is that all the money goes back into the classroom,” she said. “We raised about $11,000 last year.”

Judging from the participation of this year’s crowd, Stewart expects to surpass last years’ total.

“I have to think positive,” she said. “I hope it’ll be more.”