MADISON – — Celebration and antics of All Hallow’s Eve or Halloween attracted hundreds of trick-or-treaters for a city-sanctioned party. Leading up to Oct. 31, church and school festivals attracted thousands more costumed youngsters.

Mad AL’s Haunted House was staged at Insanity Complex. “We had 485 people that toured. We had many screams, a few laughs and some that shared tears,” Gayle Milam said. Milam works as City of Madison’s Event and Volunteer Coordinator.

“Everyone seemed to enjoy it and said they are looking forward to the 2018 version of Mad AL’s Haunted House,” Milam said.

The Little Goblins Halloween Trail was open for younger children and about 45 attended. “Most children wanted to do the (‘grown-up’) haunted house,” Milam said.

Thirty-plus volunteers helped with Mad AL’s. They played clowns, mad doctor, zombies, dolls, witches, insane asylum patient and much more. The volunteers included students from Bob Jones and James Clemens high schools, along with drama department students from Buckhorn High School, and friends and family.

“Insanity Complex and the City of Madison split the proceeds. The city puts back proceeds into other events,” Milam said.

On Halloween night, Insanity Complex hosted “Madison’s Insane Nightmare on Skate Street” for trick-or-treating, games and costume contests. “We had approximately 3,000 children that came through and received their treats. We had a pie-eating contest, treasure in the haystack, beanbag toss, spoon-and-eyeball race and balloon scramble,” Milam said.

Children remained anonymous in costume contests:

* 12-year-olds and younger — Winners were a salsa dancer, Woody from “Toy Story” and a robot.

* 13-year-olds and older — Maleficent, The Joker and Steve Urkel.

* Family/group — The Incredibles (father, mother and two sons); Cruella and 101 Dalmatians; and Superman and Wonder Woman (father, daughter).

Community events like the Halloween activities “allow the businesses to promote themselves, as well as offer a safe place for families to bring their children. Each year, the event continues to grow. We’re already making plans for next year,” Milam said.

Vendors set up inside and outside: Madison Parks and Recreation, Regions Bank, Quantum Research International Inc., Madison Chamber of Commerce, Publix on U.S. 72 at Promenade, Madison Emerald Ridge Apartments, IBERIABANK, Rocket City Martial Arts, Matt Curtis Real Estate Inc., 104.3 WZYP, Madison Fire and Rescue Department, Liberty Tax Service, Chick-fil-A Madison, KidTowne, New York Life -Stephen Shaw, Orange Theory Fitness, Jennifer Daniels Photography, Oscar-Mayer Wienermobile, Alexander’s Martial Arts, Tim Barron – State Farm Agent, Orbit’s Shuttle Service, Floor Coverings International, The Dance Shoppe, Big Shiloh Baptist Church, MetroPcs on U.S. 72, Madison County Democrats, Muscled Up Movers, Mary Kay Consultant Shirley Tally, Heisey Jewelry Designs, Amy Scott Wasyluka for State Senate and Shepherd Living at The Range.