Submitted by: Lorri-Ann Munro |
We hope you had a chance to visit the Swan Valley Communities That Care (SVCTC) 7th Anniversary Spooktober- Fest Haunted House!
It was a great event, which offered a Halloween experience for all ages. Over 1700 visitors attended the Spooktober-Fest at the SV Historical Museum, running for three nights, October 17, 18 & 19, 2019. All visitors were invited to engage in our fun family friendly Halloween theme.
The Spooktober-Fest event offered a “Not So Scary”, friendly entry area for all ages with Halloween décor, games, and activities hosted by the ECFC Head Start Program, Tammy Zaretsky-Denischuk & Derryl May (SVRSS), and many community volunteers. Everyone that took part in the games had an opportunity to win loads of candy and prizes donated by local businesses and organizations. Face painting was again a popular activity with many children lining up to await their transformation. Maclyn Burghart, Hannalee Munro, Jessica Urban, Brenna Schure, and Savannah Hillmer generously donated their time to help with this activity. ACL created a photo prop which had many different Halloween characters painted on it with cut-outs which children could use for photos. Lots of fun and adventure was enjoyed in the “Not So Scary” area and it was great to see so many youngsters in costume.
If you were brave enough to choose the “Scary” zone you travelled outside to the Tony Gulash Building and the Octagon House. In the Gulash Building visitors were entertained by the ECFC Youth Group. Actors portrayed characters from the movies It, Saw, Batman, and The Ring. The ECFC Youth Group, headed up by Ruby Chartrand and Chloe Genaille created a maze of dark tunnels with jump scares around every corner. Many people came screaming out of the building while being chased by Jason and his chainsaw.
From there people made their way to the Octagon House. The Hair Scare Crue transformed the house into an insane asylum Along with very detailed props and unbelievable makeup the characters truly played their parts to the fullest. Every room hosted creepy characters that were waiting to scare whoever was brave enough to enter.
Lastly, all visitors were treated to free hot chocolate and cookies provided by the SV Coop, Service to Seniors, Quik Stop and Extra Foods. Of course, a Halloween treat was offered to all children and youth as well as an opportunity to enter to win a door prize donated by Star City Cinema, Westwood Inn, Pizza Place, Chicken Chef, and Brenda Treasure.
Throughout all of these areas we had the SUCCEED Program and Adult Education staff and students participation in helping to set-up and take down. We also had the Swan Valley Stampeders, ESRSS Travel Club, SVRSS Art students, and the Swan Valley Rapids assist with event duties throughout the three nights. This 2019 Spooktober-Fest Haunted House event was a smashing success.
Community Businesses and Organizations as well as community members were very generous with their support and donations. We look forward to hosting this activity again next year. We would like to thank everyone for coming out and helping to make our Spooktober-Fest such a wonderful success. Priceless hours were spent towards the organization and performing at the Haunted house event. A big Thank you to the countless volunteers that worked to make this event possible.
All proceeds from Spooktober-Fest will fund youth initiatives for SV youth.