Hallowe'en Happenings

Hallowe'en draws near! It's been very "atmospheric" this autumn, conjuring up the perfect

Hallowe'en mindset.
If you want to celebrate on skates, head to Bill Bolton Arena in Vermont Square Park Saturday from 5 to 7 pm. The annual Hallowe'en Skating party takes place and includes prizes for best costume.
Friday night, St. Alban's Boys and Girls' Club -- right beside Bill Bolton -- screens Frankenweenie. Hosted by Sistahood and Girls on the Move, the film shows from 7 to 9 pm.
In keeping with tradition, St. Alban's also features its annual Haunted House on the spooky night itself from 5 to 9 pm.
For the older people in the crowd, the Bloor Cinema has kept its tradition (thankfully!) of showing the Rocky Horror Picture Show twice on Hallowe'en, both times featuring a "shadow cast." (Both web write ups are confusing, but it seems to be playing at 7 AND 10 pm.)
Cheers,
Vanessa
PS Is the Nov 1st Pumpkin Patch happening at Vermont Square this year?

Hallowe'en Pumpkins

Happy Hallowe'en! I know that some of us are worried about the safety of friends and loved ones in storm-ravaged places, but we'll put on a brave (scary?) face for the wee'juns hotly anticipating trick or treating this evening, won't we?
I've had a few things on my plate this week, so the pumpkin is scooped, but not carved. My "wee'juns" are too cool to carve now, being teenagers, so I went looking for pumpkin-carving inspiration this a.m.
I thought I'd share some of my finds with you.
At first, I envisioned that I'd do a Van Gogh-inspired masterpiece:

Then I thought, "No, it should have a Hallowe'en theme!" And I envisioned this:

Then I thought, "It's Hallowe'en! The pumpkin should be spooky." And I envisioned this:

All of this took about five minutes. At which point I remembered, "Hm... I have zero artistic/sculpting talent. " So, in the end, this is what I will end up with:

But it's always good to dream....

Happy Hallowe'en!

Vanessa

Family Friendly Hallowe'en Activities

Hallowe'en is one of those occasions that can be fun for all ages. It's an excuse for adults to get dressed in costume, which is always liberating, and go to wild parties.
Kids, of course, get to dress up and collect free candy. What could be more fun than that?
If your tastes run more toward g-rated than x-rated partying, you might want to grab the niblets and head to Boo At The Barns today at nearby Wychwood Barns. It promises tons of family fun from 5 pm to 9 pm.

And don't forget the annual St. Alban's Haunted House. Trick or treaters can visit on Hallowe'en evening to get a good, clean fright.

November 1st offers two opportunities: the Seaton Village Pumpkin Patch and the Harbord Street Pumpkin Festival.
Enjoy!
Vanessa

Snakes and Lattes Hallowe'en

Popular-from-the-second-it-opened, Snakes and Lattes on Bloor is hosting a Hallowe'en party. You have to buy tickets in advance and I bet it will sell out, so get 'em now!

"Good eeeeevening Ghouls and Ghosts,
Snakes and Lattes will be closing its doors for a private Halloween Party on Monday, October 31st.
Tickets will be sold in advance for $10, and space is limited.
Awards will be given out for best costume, best Thriller dance routine, and more.
Join us for a night of zombie games, haunted prizes and evil fun! More activities and contests to be decided."
Cheers,

Vanessa

Hallowe'en stories at Palmerston Library Oct. 30th

Yesterday was a very Hallowe'en-y day: leaves on the ground, fog, a light drizzle. Spooky! Let's hope next Sunday's weather is similar.

At our house, it's the end of an era because my firstborn ghoul will not be shelling out this year.
For those of you with wee ones, you might want to take them to Palmerston Library this Saturday to hear some Hallowe'en stories.
Enjoy!
Vanessa

PS Get out and vote today! I don't care if it's raining, I don't care if you're tired and, if you don't, I don't want to hear one word out of your mouth about municipal politics until the next election. So there.

Hallowe'en Events At Toronto's Historic Sites

The City of Toronto operates several historic sites and they're offering some spooky programs this October.

There are tours at Fort York, Mackenzie House, Colborne Lodge, Montgomery's Inn and Todmorden Mills. Most are family friendly (for older children) and affordable, but you need to book in advance. There are a few adult-only events, as well.
For prices and phone numbers, check out the city's website.

Cheers,
Vanessa