Halloween will be extra special this year in Central Saanich as the municipality looks to honour one of its own.
Last year’s celebration couldn’t go as planned due to the lingering heat, dry conditions and the late lifting of the fire ban causing the cancellation of the annual bonfire and fireworks show.
“I remember putting sunscreen on,” said Central Saanich Fire Chief Kenn Mount of the 2022 Tour de Rock ride earlier in the month.
Aside from battling the weather, the department was also mourning the loss of a key member – former assistant chief Forrest Owens.
Owens, alongside Capt. Dan Little, was a driving force in organizing the annual Halloween fireworks display.
“He was really our key champion,” Mount said. “He was there at the beginning.”
Since Owens’ passing, Mount said Little and other members of the department have stepped up to make sure this year’s fireworks are extra special with elements Forrest really liked – including a few extra explosives and making sure families will be in attendance.
But there’s a lot more to it than just ordering a few fireworks. Mount noted in the past, Owens and Little were like brothers, putting in late nights planning, ordering and fusing together the fireworks.
“The public loved it and we’re going to keep doing it,” Mount said. “We’re full steam ahead.”
The event gets underway at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 31 at Centennial Park, 7526 Wallace Dr., with a bonfire and will run until 9 p.m. The Forrest Owens Memorial Fireworks Show will start at approximately 8 p.m.
While this free event is open to all residents, those looking to host their own private Halloween fireworks displays are required to have a permit and need to contact the fire department for more information, Mount added.
Sidney
Also on the Peninsula, spooktacular displays will transform Sidney ahead of Halloween as the Sidney Business Improvement Area Society hosts a number of events to mark the season.
Downtown Sidney businesses are getting into the Halloween spirit with decorations for the public to enjoy starting Oct. 20, culminating in the ninth annual Treat Street.
Running from 4:30 until 6 p.m., this event will see downtown Sidney closed to traffic to allow all of the little ghosts, goblins and tykes to enjoy a family-friendly trick-or-treat event. Various treat stations will be set up around Sidney and at local merchants.
Other Halloween events include a community pumpkin patch from Oct. 22 to 31. Pre-carved pumpkins can be dropped off at the Sidney Visitor Centre (2281 Beacon Ave.) from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. daily with each carver receiving a treat from the Sidney BIA and an entry to win a kids prize pack (drawn Nov. 1).
For more information on these events and more, go to sidneybia.ca/halloween.
North Saanich
The annual Halloween bonfire is also back with a bang in North Saanich.
The North Saanich Volunteer Firefighters Association will be hosting the event on Tuesday, Oct. 31 at the fire hall on Wain Road (986 Wain Rd.) starting at 6 p.m.
Free hot dogs, hot chocolate and other tasty treats are on the menu for all with a fireworks display at around 7:15 p.m.
While it is a free event, donations will be accepted for CFax Sanatas Anonymous Society.