I have fond Halloween memories from the years I lived in Ottawa. One friend would turn her home into a haunted house, the stairway transformed into a spine-tingling journey ending with treats for those who dared to creep all the way to the top floor. For several years, my son and I returned to a former neighbourhood to marvel at its transformation into a haunted village, witches swinging from trees and kids screaming as they ran for safety; front yards turned into graveyards with skeletons springing “to life” as we approached. For many Halloweens, I donned my wicked witch costume and helped with the Halloween party at the local Legion, sponsored by our community association in Cumberland, a rural village outside of Ottawa.
There will be no shortage of Halloween spookiness on the Sunshine Coast this year!
Katie Angermeyer, a long-time Halfmoon Bay resident and volunteer, invites all to the Suzuki Play-in Halloween Howl at Coopers Green Park in Halfmoon Bay at 1 p.m. on the 28th. Sponsored by the Coast String Fiddlers, Katie is certain that “if you miss the Apple Festival and seeing little kids playing violins, this concert is for you.” Costumes are welcome and, dare I say, encouraged!
While you’re in the Redrooffs area, make sure to stop by Eureka Place and take in the Halloween light display at the Laberge’s. You may recognize the address as the location of the spectacular Christmas light show Paul painstakingly assembles each season. While not as extravagant, his Halloween-themed show is worth the trip! Chatting with Paul recently when I found him up a ladder stringing lights in the “graveyard,” he confirmed that he’ll be “flipping the switch” soon and invites trick-or-treaters to stop by.
A local tradition, the Great 2023 Halfmoon Bay Pumpkin Trail, entices trick-or-treaters through the Lohn to Hart Road path alight with imaginatively carved pumpkins. New this year is the Frog Pond Haunted Trail. Families are encouraged to drop off carved masterpieces and battery-operated candles at the trails after 4 p.m. on the 31st. After the event, volunteers will take the pumpkins to a local farm for the animals to enjoy.
Speaking of pumpkins, WildSafe BC Sunshine Coast has this message for all residents: “Please be mindful that pumpkins attract wildlife to your doorstep. To help avoid conflicts, bring your pumpkins inside at night and dispose of them responsibly after the festivities are over. Let’s avoid inviting wildlife to our Halloween celebrations this year!”
The Witches of Sechelt will be dancing their way around town and collecting donations “in their cauldrons” in support of the Sunshine Coast Hospice Society. I remember spotting two Halfmoon Bay witches in the coven last year. For information on the ground route (their “as the broom flies” route was not provided!), visit the Sunshine Coast Tourism website and search for “witches of Sechelt dance around town.” For hospice information, visit coasthospice.com.
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