Despite the rain, Rochester’s annual Halloween Party kicked-off at the Plumb Corner Mall  Saturday afternoon.

The party, sponsored by the Plumb Library, featured prize raffles, face painting, games and pumpkin carving contests.

According to Susan McMullen, an employee at the Plumb Corner Market, proceeds from the raffle tickets will be used for hosting similar events year-round, including a Christmas stroll with Santa Claus and an Easter egg hunt in the spring.

“This is a donation towards the community,” McMullen said.  “It’s all geared towards the kids. We want to bring them down here and have a little fun.”

Seeking refuge from the rain, the guests gathered inside Hair & Body Solutions where the children had their faces painted by the library’s volunteers, the Junior Friends.

The Junior Friends, who are ages nine to fifteen, played games with the children and also contributed baked goods to be handed out to the visitors.

Staff members from the Plumb Library were stationed around the store giving out candy and were marveling at the different costumes the kids had chosen.

Lisa Fuller, who works at the Plumb Library, said that having the kids be creative and dress up was always the best part of this event.

“We just like seeing the kids coming out in costumes and to see the people we haven’t seen in a while,” Fuller said.  “It’s all about the community.”