Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has announced that Halloween will be different this year but can still go ahead. At a news conference in September she said, “I really think we need to think about small groups outside, not having somebody come into your house but having maybe the neighbourhoods do something at the end of the driveway.”
On Bowen, this means a few changes, such as no fireworks from the B.I. Volunteer Fire Department because of the gathering that takes place to view them. Instead, the BIVFD has decided to decorate the main hall on Grafton Rd. to add to the festive spirit.
On that note, B.I. Community Recreation is creating a map for families to tour the island to view decorated houses up to and on the spooky night.
For houses that will be getting into the spirit, please send your address to [email protected] to be included in the map. Please note that addresses will be kept confidential; just the areas on the map will be highlighted.
BICR will also be posting a virtual costume parade after asking for photos of the scary goblins and ghouls dressed up in their Halloween best! Submit your pics to [email protected] to be included.
The Bowen RCMP will be patrolling the island and encouraging safe driving throughout.
The Snug Cove General Store and The Ruddy Potato will be receiving candy donations to share with residents in their neighbourhood groups who may wish to leave treats at the ends of their driveways as suggested by Dr. Henry.
The Bowen Youth Centre also has some spooky plans for glow-in-the-dark disc golf, so stay tuned for information coming closer to Halloween.
Some other suggestions that the Halloween Task Force has come up with:
- Get together in smaller groups in your neighbourhood or bubble and trick or treat safely, closer to home or with close friends.
- For families who are not comfortable going out at all, trick or treat in your own home, knocking on the doors in and outside of the home.
- Hide treats along a trail and go for a spooky “treat-walk” on a Bowen trail, just don’t leave any behind!
- Have a pumpkin carving party in your bubble.
And with that, the Halloween Task Force in this COVID year will conclude its work in trying to ensure the spirit of Halloween stays alive and well on Bowen Island!
