ESTEVAN — The first Spooktacular Treats for All inclusive Halloween event, organized by the City of Estevan at Estevan Leisure Centre's multipurpose room, proved to be popular among residents.
Many children and their guardians stopped by to show off their costumes, go trick-or-treating and enjoy crafts and games offered by participating entities. The event was designed to be accessible to people with any needs.
"This is the first event for Halloween that the City of Estevan has organized, solely with accessibility in mind. It is an ongoing conversation amongst council and staff about how to make locations and events in the community more accessible and welcoming to everyone. This year, Councillor [Rebecca] Foord and I made sure to make it a priority for the Halloween season to host an event that would allow all children the experience of trick-or-treating," said Jacquelyn Massey-Rounds, marketing and communications manager with the city.
The event was open to local businesses and organizations to join and help the city with organizing fun activities for the kids. Joining the City of Estevan and Tourism Estevan were Foord, Coun. Kirsten Walliser and Souris Family Pharmacy, Coun. Travis Frank and Graphic Press, South East Eyecare, the Rotary Club of Estevan, Southeast College, the Estevan Kinsmen Club, Special Olympics Estevan and the Wildcats Ladies Hockey club.
"I am also very happy to say that I have had additional groups already reach out to participate in next year's event and encourage those that would be interested [in participating] the next year to reach out to me," Massey-Rounds said.
The efforts didn't go unnoticed, as many people, some of whom didn't have the option to experience Halloween activities before, used the opportunity to enjoy a great community event.
"We have had nothing but warm words and encouragement to make this an annual event. We had well over 100 children attend on Saturday and lots of smiling faces as they were able to get some treats and have fun doing crafts and activities," Massey-Rounds said.
Early this week, the city was also preparing for their scarier version of Halloween – Eerie Affinity, a Night of Fright, slated for Oct. 31 (details weren't available at press time). Massey-Rounds said the two events are very different, and both were important for the city to offer.
"While I think both events play a fun role in our community's line-up of Halloween festivities, they are very different events both hosted by the City of Estevan. Eerie Affinity will bring people back to a haunted Affinity Place after a couple years' hiatus, and Erin Wilson and the leisure services team have been hard at work transforming the space into a Halloween haven, ready for people young and young-at-heart to experience a few thrills and chills on October 31st," she noted.
To participate in organizing an accessible and inclusive Halloween event next year, please reach out to Massey-Rounds at j.massey@estevan.ca.
"We were extremely happy to have groups participating that were nothing but welcoming, kind and understanding to all trick-or-treaters on Saturday and we look forward to hosting similar events in the future. Thank you to all of those that came out to the leisure centre and included us in your Halloween plans," Massey-Rounds added.
