The event was the third in a series of promotions to bring families to the east end of town, according to members of the East Pacific Business Association, which hosted the event.

In recent months the group has organized flea markets and fundraisers, both Saturday daytime activities. On Oct. 30, they organized the evening event.

Although organizers credit Mike Bagwell, NAPA Auto Parts, and Roger Winning with doing the bulk of the work, most of the business operators in the mall appeared around the oil drum bonfires helping children roast hot dogs and make s'mores.

A highlight of the event was the outdoor showing of the movies "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" and Disney's "Haunted Mansion."
The weather was perfect for the gathering, organizers said - warm enough for children from infants to teens to be outdoors and cool enough to make the oil-drum fires inviting.

Hay bales were arranged amphitheater-style facing the large screen where the movies were shown.

Dana Stiern had hoped to bring Garth, his 8-year-old Clydesdale, to pull the trailer piled with hay for a hayride around the dark side of the mall. But with Garth recovering from a foot ailment, Stiern brought the 1949 Farmall Cub tractor that his grandfather bought new in 1950. With assistance from his grandson Cameron Shepherd, Stiern provided a series of hayrides throughout the evening.

Stiern and his wife Sandy operate D & S Enterprises, located at the east end of the Plaza, which sells appliances. They also book wedding rides and Santa Claus arrival in their carriage pulled by Garth.

The evening was part of a promotional campaign to bring local shoppers back to the east end of town where they can buy animal feed, appliances, auto parts, furniture, some groceries and household goods. They also can attend church and get a haircut.

The outdoor movie met the two goals of the campaign - to attract shoppers and give something back to the community - according to Neva Bagwell, who doled out supplies for hot dogs and s'mores.

Bob Cox, longtime tenant of the plaza, was on hand, wrapped in a plaid throw that covered everything but his eyes and the top of his head.
Cherie Francois, who owns one of the larger buildings, has encouraged the marketing ideas.

Now framework is attached along the tops of the buildings where a new uniform facia will tie all the buildings together. The business group also plans to do a Christmas promotion at the Plaza, but plans are not finalized yet.