Socially distanced stands, candy thrown in chutes, spooky tours and pumpkin carving contests were among the creative ways Guelphites celebrated Halloween.
And that’s not all. Even The Covered Bridge lit up orange and red in the spirit of Halloween as the full moon shone in true Halloween fashion.
Businesses and residents did what they could to still give a Halloween experience in the uncertain times of 2020. Many residents were seen trick-or-treating.
“Everything. Everything is different this year,” said Danita Jaipersaud, PR manager at Linamar Corporation’s Skyjack division who helped organize their Monster Boom Bash Event on Saturday for employees’ children where 10 access equipment machines were distanced to create a route where children stopped and collected candy thrown down a chute.
“Essentially this is what we did in order to create a very nice socially distanced activity to kind of bring some normality back to kids.”
Approximately 70 people registered for the Monster Boom Bash and only five families were allowed on the route at a time during a 30-minute window. With three pieces of candy given at each chute, each child walked away with approximately 30 pieces of candy.
“It’s cool,” said seven-year-old Alaina Evans dressed as a ladybug with a matching mask to be as safe as she could. Had this event not taken place, Evans said she would be at home this year.
A neighbourhood parade at the west end also encouraged residents to come out and collect candy socially distanced.
Nothing will stop this neighbourhood from celebrating. Halloween Parade at westend Guelph @CamGuthrie @cityofguelph #HappyHalloween pic.twitter.com/BO3oJvfxkT
— Alison Crerar (@ACrerar) October 31, 2020
Even the Jay Walking Tour got a spooky touch.
Normally held on Fridays, the JayWalking Guelph tour was held on Saturday to tell the perfect tale on Halloween where Jay Wilson added two extra tours, and both sold out.
“I think there’s more enthusiasm this year, certainly from me as a storyteller,” said Wilson.
“The interesting thing about this particular story that I tell —The Unfortunate Man— is that he was sentenced to hang on Halloween. That’s why I tell it many times on Halloween because of that connection,” said Wilson who began the tour precisely at the tolling of the bell at 5 p.m. near the old jail yard on Douglas street wearing a cape and holding a lamp
“So I begin the tour with the tolling of the bell because it's the same sign William Harvey would hear in 1889.”
With the leaves on the ground and the cold weather, Wilson said it just adds to the atmosphere.
Participating restaurants in Downtown Guelph held the Downtown Dining District Pumpkin Carving Competition where each restaurant selected the best carved or decorated pumpkins for a prize.
All proceeds from pumpkins purchased downtown are set to be donated to the Lakeside HOPE House.
