Halloween

Here’s something you don’t see every day. Witches have devised a new mode of transport rather than the traditional broomstick, adapting the paddle board. This witch could be seen paddling around the area of Cook Beach and Dogwood Road on Halloween. (Photo submitted)

Which witch is which?

Witches were everywhere in Chemainus on Halloween, but this one used a unique mode of transporation

Here’s something you don’t see every day. Witches have devised a new mode of transport rather than the traditional broomstick, adapting the paddle board. This witch could be seen paddling around the area of Cook Beach and Dogwood Road on Halloween. (Photo submitted)
Victoria police are asking the public to be vigilant after an ammonia inhalant was found amongst an Esquimalt child’s Halloween candy. (Courtesy of VicPD)

Ammonia inhalant found in Esquimalt child’s Halloween candy

Police warning parents after suspicious item found Sunday evening

Victoria police are asking the public to be vigilant after an ammonia inhalant was found amongst an Esquimalt child’s Halloween candy. (Courtesy of VicPD)
Dianna Leyenhorst brings her ‘hammerhead shark’ pumpkin back to shore after carving it underwater at Argonaut Wharf on Saturday. Photo by Mike Davies/Campbell River Mirror

As if carving a pumpkin isn’t hard enough

Divers take on the challenge of creating Jack-O-Lanterns underwater for charity

Dianna Leyenhorst brings her ‘hammerhead shark’ pumpkin back to shore after carving it underwater at Argonaut Wharf on Saturday. Photo by Mike Davies/Campbell River Mirror
Social media images of large parties in Vancouver’s downtown on Halloween night, Oct. 31, 2020.

VIDEO: Halloween crowds gather in Vancouver despite B.C. top doctor’s plea to avoid parties

Police said large, alcohol fuelled crowds made dispersing people not a practical solution

Social media images of large parties in Vancouver’s downtown on Halloween night, Oct. 31, 2020.
Police cars block the Quai Saint-Andre sweet where they arrested a man in medieval disguise, early Sunday, November 1, 2020 in Quebec City. Two people are dead and five people were injured after they were stabbed. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot

VIDEO: Police name two victims killed in night of horror in Quebec City

Police Chief Robert Pigeon says attack involved man dressed in a medieval costume swinging a sword

Police cars block the Quai Saint-Andre sweet where they arrested a man in medieval disguise, early Sunday, November 1, 2020 in Quebec City. Two people are dead and five people were injured after they were stabbed. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot
(Pixabay photo)

Spoooky, scaaaary: The ultimate Halloween-in-quarantine playlist

All the costumes, trick-or-treating and spooky-season fun is essentialy off the table due to COVID-19

(Pixabay photo)
Halloween candies ready for trick-or-treaters. (Philip Wolf photo)

PQBeat: Ghouls, goblins, candy, costumes, COVID-19 restrictions and all things Halloween

Podcast: 2020 version of the spooky night promises to be much different

Halloween candies ready for trick-or-treaters. (Philip Wolf photo)
Over the years, Janice Blackie-Goodine’s home in Summerland has featured elaborate Halloween displays and decorations each October. (File photo)

QUIZ: How much do you really know about Halloween?

Oct. 31 is a night of frights. How much do you know about Halloween customs and traditions?

Over the years, Janice Blackie-Goodine’s home in Summerland has featured elaborate Halloween displays and decorations each October. (File photo)
Among the pumpkin carvings created this year by Rick Chong of Abbotsford is this tribute to fallen officer Cont. Allan Young.

Abbotsford pumpkin carver’s creations include fallen police officer

Rick Chong carves and displays 30 pumpkins every year

Among the pumpkin carvings created this year by Rick Chong of Abbotsford is this tribute to fallen officer Cont. Allan Young.
A full moon rises over Mt. Cheam on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020. (Jenna Hauck/ The Progress)

Rare full moon, Daylight Saving makes for a uniquely spooky Halloween – despite COVID-19

We can’t host costume parties but this weekend is still one for the history books

A full moon rises over Mt. Cheam on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020. (Jenna Hauck/ The Progress)
Nanaimo RCMP and public health inspectors will be out looking for homes and businesses violating provincial health orders Saturday, Oct. 31. (News Bulletin file photo)

Police will be watching for Halloween party violations

RCMP and health officials urge Halloween and COVID-19 safety this weekend

Nanaimo RCMP and public health inspectors will be out looking for homes and businesses violating provincial health orders Saturday, Oct. 31. (News Bulletin file photo)
Decorate, dress up and eat candy. But consider staying home. Black Press photo

EDITORIAL: Think about staying home this Halloween

Like everything in 2020, it has to be different

  • Oct 30, 2020
Decorate, dress up and eat candy. But consider staying home. Black Press photo
Maureen Cue models maybe the most obvious pandemic Halloween costume this year. (Kendra Crighton/News Staff)

Pandemic impacts trends in Halloween looks, says costume shop owner

Maureen Cue sees shift in costume rentals due to the pandemic

Maureen Cue models maybe the most obvious pandemic Halloween costume this year. (Kendra Crighton/News Staff)
FILE – People go trick or treating in the rain on Halloween in Ottawa, on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

Wash your hands, not your candy: UBC offers COVID-safe tips for Halloween trick-or-treating

Wearing a non-medical mask and keeping groups small is key

FILE – People go trick or treating in the rain on Halloween in Ottawa, on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
Maureen Cue, owner of Disguise the Limit costume shop, models – maybe the most obvious – pandemic costume. (Kendra Crighton/News Staff)

Vancouver Island costume expert showcases pandemic-safe Halloween looks

Maureen Cue models the best masked Halloween costumes

Maureen Cue, owner of Disguise the Limit costume shop, models – maybe the most obvious – pandemic costume. (Kendra Crighton/News Staff)
The Victoria Heritage Haunted House is closing its doors after over a decade of frightening fundraisers raising money for the Help Fill a Dream Foundation. (Facebook/Victoria Heritage Haunted House)

Victoria Heritage Haunted House creaking its doors closed

The Halloween staple has been terrifying Greater Victoria residents for 15 years.

The Victoria Heritage Haunted House is closing its doors after over a decade of frightening fundraisers raising money for the Help Fill a Dream Foundation. (Facebook/Victoria Heritage Haunted House)
Eleven-year-old Hayley McDermott walks down the pathway of a decorated house during Halloween celebrations in Toronto, Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

Trick or Treat? Experts divided on letting kids go out on Halloween due to COVID risk

Health officials have said a safe Halloween is possible despite the pandemic

Eleven-year-old Hayley McDermott walks down the pathway of a decorated house during Halloween celebrations in Toronto, Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
COVID-19 won’t spook away trick-or-treating if safety rules followed: health officers

COVID-19 won’t spook away trick-or-treating if safety rules followed: health officers

Dr. Theresa Tam cautions, however, that parents should listen to local public health authorities

COVID-19 won’t spook away trick-or-treating if safety rules followed: health officers
Halloween decorations and pumpkins are shown at a house in Montreal, Friday, November 1, 2019. A new poll suggests Canadians are divided about whether to let the COVID-19 pandemic disrupt their plans for upcoming holidays and seasonal events. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

Canadians divided over whether to let pandemic disrupt Halloween, holidays: Poll

About half of people will hand out candy, an equal number to those who will let their kids trick-or-treat

Halloween decorations and pumpkins are shown at a house in Montreal, Friday, November 1, 2019. A new poll suggests Canadians are divided about whether to let the COVID-19 pandemic disrupt their plans for upcoming holidays and seasonal events. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
The B.C. Centre for Disease Control has released tips for a COVID-safe Halloween this year. (pxhere.com)

B.C. CDC releases Thanksgiving, Halloween tips for COVID-safe fall celebrations

People who are quarantined or self-isolating are being told to leave their houses dark

The B.C. Centre for Disease Control has released tips for a COVID-safe Halloween this year. (pxhere.com)