There’ll be plenty of spooky fun for children of all ages at this year’s Hysterical Halloween event at the 108 Heritage Site from 6 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 31.
The grad class from Peter Skene Ogden Secondary School (PSO) will once again be setting up their haunted barn, which this year has a “Carnival Freak Show” theme.
“There’ll be a few freaky clowns and characters there,” says Parent Grad Committee chair Holly Johnson.
She adds the haunted barn – a major fundraiser for the grad class – is probably suitable for children aged 10 and older, depending on the child and parents’ discretion, but there will also be another display for the younger children.
Johnson says it will feature games, treats, cotton candy, and (weather permitting) a bouncy castle. The 100 Mile & District Historical Society is providing hotdogs and hot apple cider, and the grads will have coffee and cookies available.
Other family friendly fun includes a huge bonfire provided by the 108 Mile Lions Club, and a fireworks display at 8 p.m. provided by the 100 Mile & District Historical Society. Both these events will be overseen by members of the 108 Mile Ranch Volunteer Fire Department.
“Six firefighters will be there, along with the engine and rescue truck, to watch the bonfire and make sure it’s safely put out,” says 108 Mile fire chief Marcelle Ried.
The firefighters will also be lighting the fireworks and making sure there’s no fire, as well as providing traffic control to help with parking.
It’s the first year that fireworks have been included in the event, and Ried says the display will last for 15–20 minutes.
Ingrid Meyer, spokesperson for the Historical Society, says they’ve received some donations to help cover the cost of the fireworks, but not enough to cover the full amount.
“We’ve ordered the fireworks, so they’re going ahead,” she says, adding more donations would be appreciated.
Any individuals or businesses who would like to donate to help cover the cost of the fireworks can call Ingrid at 250-791-5663 or Holly at 250-791-7308.