"Double, double, toil and trouble: Fire burn, and cauldron bubble"... a mantra chanted by three witches in Shakespeare's Macbeth, sorceresses representing darkness, chaos and conflict. These are three curses that Deep Bay residents wish to avoid on the scariest, most celebrated event of the year, Halloween.
Trick or treating in Deep Bay has become an annual tradition dating so far back that most locals can't remember its true origin. It'sa safe gathering place for young children to enjoy the rituals of house-to-house candy collecting without the dangers faced by most mainlanders. It's as if time has stood still in this quaint little neighborhood for all of Bowen Island to come and enjoy an old-fashioned Halloween experience.Witches, ghosts, ninjas and princesses will all be out in full costume with parents, grandparents and friends in tow. There is no doubt in any Bowen Islander's mind that Halloween is a favorite for us all.
But let's heed the warnings from these three Shakespearian witches, the first being darkness. Bowen Island is a very dark place: the absence of street lamps creates the perfect setting for a haunting night of fun. Dressing children in reflective gear can not only enhance a costume but can make it easier for guardians to keep track of their speedy youngsters. Glow sticks and flashlights work the best.
Chaos is hard to avoid with approximately 400-500 children, dressed in dark clothing, chasing the ultimate candy fix. Bring a car into this mix and you are looking at a witch's recipe for disaster. Parking is a huge problem for the locals, so adding to the mayhem isn't advised. Vehicles should be left outside of the Melmore/Lenora loop; parking is limited but can be found in the cove, at the Catholic church or at the entrance to the park on Miller Road.
Nobody on Halloween night wants to face the conflict of running out of candy, a Shakespearian tragedy of epic proportions.Deep Bay residents shoulder the burden of supplying candy to hundreds of ghastly ghouls that come a knocking. In the past, individuals would contribute candy to families in Deep Bay on Halloween night as they came by. This has become more organized as the General Store is collecting candy donations in advance. On Sunday, Oct. 30, from noon to 3 p.m. outside the General Store, any Deep Bay resident can pick up some candy to augment their supply. A collection box is located inside the store. This generosity is greatly appreciated.
At 7:30 p.m. sharp, Halloween night ends with a bang as hundreds of kids and adults make their way down to the causeway for a glorious display of fireworks. The fire department graciously volunteers the time, using resources collected from the firefighters' social fund, a municipal grant and donations from local businesses. Deep Bay is busy getting ready to welcome all of Bowen.Have a safe and happy Halloween.
Debra Stringfellow
