ST. PAUL - Halloween activities are moving forward in the Town of St. Paul, and while things may look at little different for this year, families are still encouraged to use the day to spend time with one other, in a safe way.
The Town of St. Paul's FCSS department is putting on a Safe and Sweet Halloween thanks to the support of donations from local businesses.
Lynn Smid, director with the Town of St. Paul FCSS says she is "very thankful" for the donations that have been coming in, and they have been coming in quite "steadily."
Donations of candy and treats are being accepted until Oct. 29, which then gives staff time to organize things and determine is they need to purchase any extras. Businesses and individuals are encouraged to donate to the cause if they don't feel comfortable handing out candy this year. Donations can be dropped off at 5101-50th Street.
Staff will then make treat bags that will be handed out on Oct. 31 at the St. Paul Rec. Centre. The department is organizing a scavenger hunt that people can do safely, from their vehicles. A list of items to find will be released in the later afternoon on Oct. 31, or can be picked up at the Rec. Centre. Once all the items are found on the list, participating families can return to the Rec. Centre to get their treat bags.
The scavenger hunt will rung alongside trick-or-treating hours from 5 to 8 p.m.
Smid asks people to abide by the flow of traffic when they stop by the Rec. Centre, and there will be an entry and exit point for people to follow.
An outdoor yard decorating contest is also taking place, and people who take part in the scavenger hunt will be allowed to vote in the contest. People who have decorated their yards are invited to take a picture and submit it to the Town of St. Paul by email. Neighbours who would like to submit yards from their neighbourhood can also contact FCSS with the needed information.
Photos should be submitted by email to [email protected] by Oct. 28.
“I’ve seen around town some really unique set-ups," says Smid. Pictures will be posted online on Oct. 30 and will be available in paper copy on Oct. 31 at the St. Paul Rec. Centre for voting. Prizes will be handed out for the best yards.
A partnership between local FCSS departments and the Elite Theatre will allow families to watch Halloween movies over the weekend for free.
The Conjuring, which is rated R, is playing at 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, but will have limited tickets that must be picked up at the Town of St. Paul FCSS office in advance.
Hotel Transylvania, which is rated PG, will play at 11 a.m. on Saturday, and again at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Sunday. No tickets are required for the showings.
Smid says organizers have been keeping in mind the health and safety of all those involved, as they plan this year's Halloween events.
"That’s why we’ve adapted it - to give families options for things they can do on that Saturday and have some great family connection time," says Smid.
Trick-or-Treating
The Town of St. Paul has opted to keep to its 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. trick-or-treating hours. The municipality is asking that people who are handing out candy this year to turn on their front porch light so trick-or-treaters can easily recognize which houses they should go to.
For Mayor Maureen Miller, she plans to do what she does every year and hand out candy - with necessary precautions in place, of course.
“I do plan to participate. I think it’s a low risk,” says Miller, adding she will be wearing a face mask while handing out candy to protect those around her.
“I think it’s an enjoyable day for kids and I don’t want to take it away from them," she adds.
The mayor is taking advice from Alberta's Chief Medical Officer of Health, abiding by the recommendations that have been put forward by Dr. Deena Hinshaw.
Most importantly, Miller strongly suggests that people who are not feeling well stay home and not take part in this year's Halloween festivities, whether that be trick-or-treating or handing out candy.
She notes it may also be important to encourage children to avoid eating any of the treats they collect before they get home and have an opportunity to wash their hands.
Miller says she enjoys the atmosphere of Halloween, and looks forward to seeing her neighbours, their children and even their grandchildren out enjoying the day.
“I’ll just be wiping my doorbell at the end of the day.”
