All Hallows’ Eve, also known as Halloween, is creeping closer to the traditionally observed celebration on October 31.
However, the week leading up to the big trick-or-treat and costume-wearing event is chock full of Halloween festivities in the qathet region, including haunted houses, frightening movies, ghost walks and pumpkin patch fun. The days after October 31 are usually a little more solemn, for those remembering those who have passed, and observing Day of the Dead on November 2.
Halloween 2023 will include a new attraction in town at Powell River Racquet Centre, located at 4320 Joyce Avenue. Volunteers, including Mitch Kenyon, who some may call a haunted maze expert, will be designing and organizing a Halloween maze for Friday, October 27, Saturday, October 28 and Tuesday, October 31, from 6 to 9 pm.
“We will have a little preview video so people know what to expect in the maze, and so families can decide if it’s too scary for them or not,” said Kenyon. “I’ve been doing a Halloween maze for about six years in our front yard [in East Vancouver].”
Kenyon recently moved to the qathet region and was happy to find the racquet club for the Halloween maze, which is located indoors, so rain won’t be an issue.
Kenyon described the maze experience as a zig-zag through the space with dimmed lighting through back rooms and volunteers dressed up as “spookers,” who will jump, chase and overall frighten people. Animatronics will also be in the mix throughout the haunted maze.
Super-Valu was located in the area from 1955 to 1997, and rumour has it that the building had become haunted, according to Kenyon.
“The maze is scary fun for anyone aged five to 95, and it is free,” said Kenyon. “Donations are graciously accepted though, to help fund the maze and Powell River Racquet Centre.”
Before the Halloween maze at the racquet centre begins on October 27, the Patricia Theatre is screening A Haunting in Venice until October 26. For fans of Hercule Poirot and Agatha Christie adaptations, this ghostly mystery stars Tina Fey and Michelle Yeoh.
Haunted Walking Tours are also taking place beginning at Henderson House, located at 6211 Walnut Street in Townsite, from October 23 to October 28, at 4:30 and 7 pm daily. For more information and registration, go to qathetmuseum.ca.
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