Saturday saw a Halloween Boo-nanza in the village of Cookstown – and a Spooktacular event in Alcona. The new Innisfil tradition invited families to dress up in costume, and go trick-or-treating at participating businesses, during the daylight hours on the first Saturday before Halloween.
Supported by the Cookstown Chamber of Commerce, the Innisfil ideaLAB & Library’s Lakeshore Branch and the Town of Innisfil, the event not only offered a safe alternative to trick-or-treating on Halloween night, but an introduction to local businesses.
“We had a record number of businesses this year,” said Kim Elliott Turtscher, Chamber member. “Thirty-nine!” She was one of several volunteers at the Chamber offices at 19 Queen St. – volunteers who included ward councillor-elect Rob Nicol, standing out in the cold to man a free hot dog barbecue.
The Chamber of Commerce advised businesses to expect about 100 children on Saturday, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. In fact, said member Pam Arnold Playter, “We had over 100!” – plus plenty of parents who got into the spirit of the event, donning costumes of their own.
The next big event in the village will be Light Up Night. Stores will decorate their windows for Christmas, and many will offer free hot chocolate and treats to visitors. A Town Crier, a talking tree, Carolling on the main street – Light Up Night will take place Saturday, November 24, from 4 to 6 p.m. Meet Santa Claus, see the Tree-lighting at 6 p.m., and watch the night-time, illuminated Santa Claus Parade at 6:30 p.m., ending with hot chocolate and carolling at the Cookstown Public Library.
Carollers are wanted: If you love to sing and don’t mind the cold, contact 705-458-4422. There will be rehearsals.
