Spooky season has officially hit the Highlands and now two of the County’s lower-tier townships are getting in the Halloween spirit.
Dysart et al and Minden Hills have announced Halloween-themed events for later this month. The fourth-annual ‘Haunting in Minden Hills’ is happening at the Minden Hills Cultural Centre Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“This year’s Halloween celebration explores urban legends and folklore, with spooky activities and mysterious tales for all ages. Dress up in your favourite costume and join in the fun,” said Robert Wong, the cultural centre’s programming co-ordinator.
There will be various activities throughout the day, Wong said, including a witch dance workshop, palm reading by Catherine Harper, pumpkin carving and contest, scavenger hunts, colouring sheet content, mythical legends crafts and facepainting. There will also be complimentary hot chocolate and popcorn.
There will be prizes given out throughout the day, donated by local businesses. Admission is by donation.
New this year, Dysart township has organized something for kids of all ages.
Haliburton Haunt and Treat is happening at A.J. LaRue Arena Oct. 31 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and is being promoted as a kid-friendly event. Andrea Mueller, Dysart’s manager of programs and events, said there will be a trunk-or-treat in the parking lot, with a Halloween-themed experience inside.
“We’re looking for local businesses, organizations, community groups and residents to decorate their vehicles and hand out treats,” Mueller said. People can register online at www.dysartetal.ca/halloween.
Once the sun goes down, it’ll be time for ‘Dysart After Dark’. Mueller said it’s aimed or people ages 10 and up. Also happening in the arena, it’s a haunted walk-through experience featuring spooky spaces, eerie surprises and plenty of Halloween scares.
The township is looking for community donations to help transform the arena – old decorations, props, lighting and spooky décor are all needed. For more information, contact 705-457-1740 ext. 635.
There’s plenty more happening in the community. Winterdance’s Haunted Halloween Forest, located at 1888 Hodgson Rd., runs tours on Fridays and Saturdays during October, from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Reservations are recommended.
The Haliburton Legion is hosting a psychic and mystic market Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with some Halloweenthemed activities. There will also be a line dancing event from 7-10 p.m.
Ommmh, at 8 Milne St. in Minden, is hosting a ‘Halloween High Tea’ Oct. 29 at noon, reservations required. On the same day, Cookhouse Saloon (2879 Hwy. 60) is hosting a Halloween jam night party from 8-10 p.m.
On Halloween, Walkabout Farm Therapeutic Riding Association is hosting its first ‘Warped Woods’ show from 2-5:30 p.m. Owner, Jennifer Semach, said the event is suitable for small children and those with disabilities and sensitivities. The DropZone Games Arcade in West Guilford is offering a drive-thru trick or treat service from 5:30-8 p.m.
The Haliburton Legion is hosting a Halloween dance Oct. 31, from 7-11 p.m., with music from The Recycled Teenagers; the Wilberforce Legion is hosting a dance from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., with prizes and hot chili available; while Shawn and Elli Chamberlin are hosting a paranormal investigation at the Dominion Hotel, starting at 8 p.m.
