Many residents reported a fairly small number of trick-or-treaters at their doors this year, but plenty of costumed kiddies turned out at a number of Hallowe’en events here over the weekend.
On Saturday, the annual “Hallowe’en Haunt” at the Fort Frances Museum turned out to be another success, said curator Pam Hawley.
She noted about 200 kids came through the door to carve pumpkins and bob for apples donated by the Business Improvement Association, as well as take a guided tour of the main floor and basement of the building, which were all decked out for occasion.
“The turnout was what we could handle,” said Hawley, noting that while it was greater last year (due to the fact the “Hallowe’en Haunt” coincided with the “Scott Street Scare”), this year was about on par with other Hallowe’ens.
Hawley noted the “Hallowe’en Haunt” was made possible through the helping hands of local Girl Guides and Fort Frances High School students working to get their community service hours needed to graduate.
Then on Sunday afternoon, Warp 9 and 92.3 FM “The Wolf” hosted their first-ever Hallowe’en party for children at Warp 9.
“We had an excellent turnout. We had 375 kids come out for it,” Warp 9 manager Jim Engelman said Monday.
Trick-or-treaters not only got candy, pop, and hotdogs, but got to do a little dancing, play some pool, and socialize.
“Being a first-time thing, and taking place in a bar, I think some parents had some questions,” Engleman admitted. “But after they came out and saw what it was like, parents were thanking me.
“It’s good for our image,” he added. “But my main goal was to give kids a safe place to come and get candy. And I achieved that.”
Engleman said he’s “absolutely” willing to hold a similar event next year—just bigger and better.
“I have so many plans for next year. I’m going to rock this town—blow the roof off,” he enthused.
Later that evening, Doug Kitowski Trucking had its “spooky trailer” parked at the McDonald’s parking lot.
“It went great,” said organizer Kim Miller. “We were out there until almost 9 p.m.
“Family and Children’s Services gave out 826 glow sticks, but I know there was some more candy given out after that,” Miller added.
She said the cool, but clear weather helped. “With no rain or snow, it was a bonus.”
A total of 98 businesses and individuals donated to the event. “I want to say thanks to everybody who volunteered and contributed,” said Miller. “We’ll see you again next year.”
As Miller said, Family & Children’s Services also was on hand Sunday night to give out candy and Easter Seals’ “night lights” to trick-or-treaters so they would be more visible as they made their rounds elsewhere in town.
“We had lots of positive feedback—lots of people reporting they saw the trick-or-treaters using them [the glow sticks] as they walked down the street, and lots of parents who thought it was a good idea,” said Betty Ann Mackintosh of FACS.
“We also thought it was good spot to do it. Hopefully, we can do it again next year,” she added.
< *c>Little mischief
Meanwhile, Fort Frances OPP reported little activity during “Operation Pumpkin” on “Gate Night.”
“It was relatively quiet,” Cst. Caroline Spencer said Monday morning.
“Overall, it went really well,” added Cst. Dereck McLean, who also was at the party at Warp 9 on Sunday afternoon to hand out some candy.
“As far as I know, there was only one reported incident involving eggs,” he added. “The officers patrolled the area and found nothing.”
“Operation Pumpkin” is a local crime prevention initiative that started about 15 years ago to address mischief and thefts that typically occurred here on “Gate Night” and Hallowe’en.
It includes both police officers and volunteers from various community organizations, including the Rainy Lake Amateur Radio Club, Shaw Cable, Union Gas, the OPP auxiliary, and the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau.
Karen Haney, assistant co-ordinator at the Volunteer Bureau, helped out by serving coffee, hot chocolate, popcorn, and doughnuts, courtesy of The 364 Store, Safeway, and Tim Hortons, at the old CN station until about 10:30 p.m. to those on patrol who wanted to take a break.
“Everything went really well,” said Haney, adding she’s not surprised it was a quiet night considering the rain and cold wind.
The OPP also patrolled the streets on Hallowe’en night to monitor the safety of trick-or-treaters.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
