The annual Courtenay Halloween Parade and party will be on Halloween Day once again this year.
On Oct 31. starting at 4 p.m., Courtenay Recreation and the Downtown Courtenay Business Association will host this annual event.
This free two-part event starts with a costume parade along the sidewalks of Fifth Street between Cliffe Avenue and Fitzgerald Street. Children from around the Valley dress in costume and trick or treat at all the businesses along Fifth Street.
Last year, they gave out close to 1,000 treats during the parade, even though the weather was not co-operating. Candy, however, is only part of the experience. Seeing everyone dressed in costumes is also an experience to behold.
“I am always amazed at the creativity of the costumes,” states Kevin Elmore of Courtenay Recreation.
You can continue your Halloween celebrations at the Lewis Centre for the Halloween party. Both gyms at the Lewis Centre will be filled with games and activities including favourites Pumpkin Bowling and Catch the Skeleton.
These two games and many others are sure to get you into the Halloween spirit. All children ages 11 and younger are invited to partake in the activities.
As a bonus, Courtenay Recreation volunteers will have an abundance of treats to give out to the children participating in the games. The party starts at 4:45 p.m. and will run until 6.
If you are looking for more Halloween entertainment, the Linc Youth Centre will have a Haunted House, which will be sure to give you a spook or two. Tour the Haunted House at the Linc Youth Centre for only $2 per person or $5 for the entire family.
The staff at the Linc has been working with the youth council and other youth volunteers developing what is sure to be a scary experience. Be warned, the haunted house is not for the faint of heart.
The haunted house will be open from Oct. 25 to 29 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Organizers ask that if you are driving in the downtown Courtenay area that you use caution, as the sidewalks and crosswalks will be busy with children.
Courtenay Recreation is still looking for volunteers to help with both the party and the parade.
If you are interested, call Louise at the Lewis Centre at 250-338-5371.
— Courtenay Recreation