The RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
If the light ain’t on, don’t come a-knockin’! It’s the Halloween code! A well-lit home, a jack-o-lantern or Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” playing from the open window are all signals that there is loot at the end of the walkway. If the porch light is off and it looks like nobody is home, move along to the next Halloween-friendly home. Guiding children to be respectful of other people’s properties is paramount in continuing this time-honoured tradition. This is the opportune time to get to know your neighbours, but bad first impressions tend to be lasting, so guide children to walk on pathways, not to discard candy wrappers on lawns or flowerbeds.
WHERE TO TRICK-OR-TREAT
If you have young ones? Check out trick-or-treating on Saturday October 25 from 12 till 2, at participating business downown. Families can head downtown for a variety of fun including trick or treating, a pet parade, pumpkin carving contest display, zombie/Thriller dance, and mini monsters story time, the Haunted Coal Mine at the Nanaimo Museum and much more! More info here
On October 31st you can always do a little indoor trick or treating at the Country Club Centre and its participating stores will be handing out candy to trick or treater’s from 4-5pm on Halloween. Nanaimo North Town Centre will also be handing out candy to kids dressed in their best costumes from 4-5pm on the 31st!
SAFETY FIRST
Some things to keep in mind before heading out on the big night: never go it alone or enter a stranger’s house! Light-coloured costumes or reflective tape are musts for dark nights; always carry a flashlight. Never let your kids eat the goodies until they’ve been inspected. If you’ve got older kids, make sure you know their Halloween plan: Who, What, When, and Where!
ALTERNATIVE OUTINGS
Is Trick-or-Treating passe in your household?
Teens can get into the Halloween spirit at a Halloween dance Friday October 24th at the Beban Social Center from 7 to 11 pm. More info here
Thrill seekers can chack out the “Hillbilly Revenge” haunted house at Beban Park, open on October 24th and 25th, and from the 27th to the 31st! Hours are from 7-11pm.
Or visit McMab’s corn maze located south of Nanaimo along Yellow Point Road, is fun for all ages. Put on your boots, grab your punch card, and prepare to get lost (and muddy!). More info here
What’s your favorite way to spend Halloween? Share with us on Facebook. Wishing you all a safe and spook-tastic Halloween from everyone at the DG Team!
