MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- More than 100 service members and their guests jam packed the Great Escape enlisted recreation center's front lawn, Oct. 30, during MCAS Miramar's Single Marine Program Halloween 'barracks bash.'

Local businesses were on hand to provide food, entertainment and free gifts, according to Eliza Hertzler, SMP coordinator.

An inflatable laser tag area was set up for the event, and participants spent four minutes inside trying to zap their opponents. A computer recorded results of the team competitions and showed who was the most accurate from each team.

A giant rock-climbing wall was available for event goers to test their confidence, and prizes were given to participants in a hula-hoop toss.

Having a good time was the most important thing of the night, Hertzler said.

"I think it turned out awesome. Hopefully, it will keep everyone excited about being here (at Miramar)," Hertzler said.

Stiff competition was found in many events through the night, as people judged the best costumes and pumpkins of the night. Best costume went to Lance Cpl. Nik Lillard, air traffic controller, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, as he dressed for the bash like Dr. Evil from the Austin Powers films.

The tough competition started near the end of night, as SMP presented its version of "Fear Factor." Contestants raced up the rock wall to narrow down the strongest competitors. Then they took on the ultimate challenge: eating stomach-turning delicacies.

Cpl. John Rice, hazardous materials supervisor, Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 and second place winner of the costume contest, helped with the fear factor portion of the night, by cooking the tasty dishes. From boiled cow tongues and pork intestines, to live goldfish, mealworms and crickets, contestants had their choice to prove they were the toughest. In the final bout, Rice's favorite meal, which he says no one has been able to eat, is called hammas, a mix of sheep leftovers boiled in sheep intestines, contestants wills were put to the limits.

"The greatest part for me is watching people throw up when they try to eat (the fear factor foods), I created," said Rice.

It was definitely a sight to see, but winners said it was all worth it. Gift certificates to Amazon.com online bookstore and free admission to SeaWorld, were a few of the things given to the top finishers.

Among all the competition and give-aways, the best thing in many people's minds was the food. Hot dogs, nachos and soft drinks were everywhere.

"I stopped by early in the night and had to leave, but when I came back I saw that there was food. Once I saw that, I was hooked," said Lance Cpl. Christopher Yoshida, avionics technician, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11.

If all that wasn't enough, Magic 92.3 provided music and a chance to spin their prize wheel for free concert tickets. All this, said Diana "DJ" McCluskey, recreation coordinator, SMP, is to get people out of the barracks for a change.

"It's good to get outside and do things you haven't done in awhile, like carve a pumpkin or dress up, and it's a chance to meet new people," McCluskey said.

For those who were unable to make it to the barracks bash, the Great Escape is always open to enlisted service members and in conjunction with the Single Marine Program, they provide various types of entertainment and trips to make barracks life more enjoyable.