By Sue Tiffin

While the Minden Hills Halloween event has always been a popular family outing, for the second year in a row the celebration will be held outdoors during the day at the Minden Hills Cultural Centre instead of the indoor late-night party held at the community centre.

Last year, Elisha Weiss, community development coordinator, planned the event alongside cultural centre staff. 

“It was really good, and we heard good feedback from the families that came that they preferred the outdoor event to the indoor event that we normally do,” she said. “It was during the day, and outside, so it wasn’t as crazy. The indoor one gets a little chaotic with that many people, and it went late, from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. – so a lot of the younger kids would only come for half an hour and then they’d have to go to bed.”

At the outdoor event this year, families will need to pre-register by emailing Weiss with the number of people attending, and their choice of time slot – the first runs from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., the second runs from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

“We have five different activity stations set up around the grounds of the museum, which is a lovely backdrop with the buildings, the colours were wonderful last year,” said Weiss. “They can float around to the different activity stations they want to try, some are a little more challenging, and some aren’t, so different age groups can play.”

Activities include a tic tac toe game with gourds, a bingo station, a “mummy run” with potato sacks, a pumpkin relay and a balancing broomsticks game. 

“And of course at all of these stations, kids get a chance to win a prize which is candy, and really even if they don’t win, they get candy anyway,” laughed Weiss. “It’s just a whole day of candy!”

Costumes are definitely recommended, as in the last half-hour of each session a costume contest is held, with three prizes – an individual in the newborn-to-seven age group, an individual in the eight-to-12 age group, and a family costume group being awarded. Kids receive a goody bag on their way out. 

While it’s recommended to wear personal protective masks, it’s not required, and nor is proof of vaccine, as the event is outdoors with a limit of 100 people (including staff, who will be masked).

The event will be held Oct. 30, with admission by donation. Pre-register by emailing eweiss@mindenhills.ca. 

“It’s a fun way to spend part of your Saturday with your family, to get them into the Halloween spirit – and try out your costume,” said Weiss.