Most local bars unleashed their annual costume parties on Halloween to commemorate the ghoulish holiday.

Stix, Stu’s, Marty’s and Friends & Company were among the many bars competing for customers Thursday evening. Contests, drink specials and prizes highlighted the many attractions at each bar and made them overly enticing.

Stix distributed prizes based on what costume got the loudest applause from bar-goers as well as a little help from chosen judges.

“We usually give cash prizes based on the costumes,” said Mike Mayhol, also known as D.J. Spider, who had the honor of laying down beats at the party alongside D.J. Carebear, otherwise known as Dave Heidamann. Bud Light sponsored the costume party and prizes, Mayhol said.

If you were decked out in skeleton or goblin garb Thursday, Marty’s was another place that featured a prize-laden costume contest and $1.50 20 ounce drink specials in a souvenir cup.

Rockers, The Shakes, wowed disguised students at Friends with its power pop, 80s college rock and punk and all things considered, the holiday was a perfect fit.

The venue was also decked out in spooky Halloween gear.

If you missed the opportunity to celebrate the frightening holiday Thursday, fear not, there are still options.

Mattoon-based Gunner Buc’s will be hosting it’s annual costume party, said Dianna Roy, manager of the tavern.

“The costume contest will probably run late,” she said.

The contest will be sponsored by 104.3, The Party, radio station and Bud Light, Roy said.

Souvenir cups will run for $4 each and the bar is looking forward to a hefty turnout, she said.

“The bar does this every year,” Roy said.

As a part of First Fridays, University Board is unveiling its own belated Halloween party at 9:30 p.m. tonight in 7th Street Underground, located in the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.

Typical trick-or-treating candy will occupy baskets in the party area and despite the fact that the holiday has ended, Monica Stewart, UB special events coordinator, said students are encouraged to wear their costumes, which will be judged based on different features, and divided into categories.

“It is not going to be something extravagant, just something festive,” she said.

Comedy troupe Fowl Language will kick off the party with numerous skits, which will be condensed from two hours to an hour and a half to accommodate costume judging.

“(UB) can give our opinions, but ultimately Fowl Language will decide (who wins the contest),” Stewart said. “We thought it would be nice if they were the ones who selected the winner.”

Since the event was earmarked not to exceed two hours, Stewart said students who attend will still have the opportunity to attend other events over the weekend.

“I really don’t know if people have plans or not, but it will be a fun weekend,” she said.