I'm sorry to hear you're having trouble with the event, royal randomness! Have you tried reading
the Event FAQ?
If you're confused about how to participate in a particular staff-run game, I'd recommend carefully reading the first few posts that describe how to participate. Not every contest is for everyone, but we like for people to earn their prizes rather than them just being handed out for doing nothing, so a little effort will be needed on your part if you'd like to participate in those.
That being said, you can get every new item from the event without participating in the contests, if you so desire. You can purchase the special limited-time-only event items in Treat's Halloween Rares Shop, and you can purchase the new commons (which are 50% off for the event) in Trick's Halloween Commons Shop.
Is there anything in particular that you have questions about? Please don't hesitate to ask. :)