No tricks, just treats for developmentally disabled individuals at St. Coletta's of Illinois

A colorful assortment of characters dropped by St. Coletta’s of Illinois on Tuesday, devouring treats and participating in fun, holiday-themed games.

There were unicorns, scarecrows, Star Wars characters, an angel, Fred Flintstone and even Austin Powers parading through the halls, collecting treats from staff members and admiring each other’s costumes.

Those brave enough to walk through the “haunted hallway” dodged large spiders and a labyrinth of equally large cobwebs.

Based in Tinley Park, St. Coletta’s of Illinois provides educational, residential and vocational training services to more than 300 developmentally disabled children and adults throughout the south and southwest suburbs.

Each year, it invites students, staff and adult participants to dress in Halloween costumes and enjoy a day of spooktacular activities.

The highlight is the organization’s annual Pumpkin Decorating contest, which invites each classroom and team of adult participants to embellish a pumpkin provided by St. Coletta’s parent association.

This year, there were 28 entries and included everything from farm animals and storybook characters to superheroes and a box of donuts.

A team of judges studied each one and selected two to honor with 1st Place Award Certificates – one pumpkin from Kennedy School and another from Community Day Services.

Taking the prizes this year were a hamburger from Amy Quinn’s culinary arts classroom and a cow from Community Day Services.