MONROE — All six pumpkin carvers received prizes in Monroe Crossing’s first Halloween kickoff on Friday. The contest was in preparation for today’s trick-or-treating and costume contest.

Marketing manager Sarah Enten said next year’s pumpkin contest should yield a better turnout because sponsors will have more time to advertise.

Sponsored by the mall, The Enquirer-Journal and Xtreme Play, the contest included six categories. Contestants had until noon Friday to bring their pumpkins to customer service, and six people entered. Winners received a $25 gift card to the mall and two free passes to Xtreme Play.

The mall’s two-day Halloween celebration will continue today.

Between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., children under 12 can go trick-or-treating around the mall. Stores will hand out a variety of candy, including chocolate, bubble gum and lollipops.

From 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., children can participate in the mall costume contest. Three winners will be selected from each of the three age brackets: 4 and under, 5 to 8, and 9 to 12.

The mall will close at 9 p.m.

“We’re going to play it by ear,” Enten said. “If there’s a lot of people, we’ll announce the winners when that category is over. If there’s a normal amount, we’ll wait until the end to announce all winners.”

Winners in the costume contest will receive two passes to Xtreme Play. First-place winners from each bracket will receive $20; second, $15; and third, $10.

Enten said there might be more people who attend than usual since it’s supposed to rain on Saturday.

PUMPKIN CARVING CONTEST WINNERS

Best traditional

Amber Norquist

Scariest

Kris Warden

Most creative

Erin Walters

Best kid entry

Johnny Warden

Best overall

Kyle Johnson

Most difficult

Tracy Warden