Deadwood will be costume-central Saturday, Oct. 30 as Deadweird takes over historic Main Street. With some of the most creative and hilarious costumes you’ll ever see, the annual “Deadweird” Costume Contest has become one of the premiere Halloween parties in the Black Hills.

The costume contest’s popularity continues to grow because the Deadwood Chamber, who puts on the event, has made it very lucrative for contestants who enter. Prize money is a whopping $1,000 for first place, $500 for second and $250 for third. Consolation prizes including cash for best group, scariest and most creative costumes. All total, there’s more than $5,000 in cash and prizes to be given to costume-clad revelers on Oct. 30.

Contestants this year will go to one judging location – the Historic Franklin Hotel on Main Street in Deadwood – between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to be judged. The Franklin will also host a Halloween party throughout the evening, culminating with the awards ceremony at 10 p.m. There will be music, dancing, door prizes and other special events.

Also for this year’s celebration, Prairie Hills Transit will offer round-trip rides from Spearfish to Deadwood for the evening. Call (605) 642-6668 for more information.

If you have little ghouls and goblins, but still want to celebrate a night on the town with friends, the Northern Hills Family Recreation Center in Lead will hold a “Halloween Lock-In” for children in kindergarten through sixth grade.

Organizers invite parents to attend Deadwood’s Deadweird festivities and allow their children to enjoy an evening of age-appropriate activities, including: swimming, scavenger hunts, bobbing for apples, movies, Wii bowling tournament and more. Dinner and snacks will be provided as well. The lock-in is available from 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30 to 9 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 31. Call (605) 584-1113 for more information.

Last year’s Deadweird event drew over 300 costume entries, and Deadwood Chamber officials expect an even bigger turnout this year. Contact the Deadwood Chamber at (605) 578-1876 or visit www.deadwood.com for more details.