Adam Elia, 34, still remembers the first time he attended a bonfire, like it was just yesterday.
He was only seven years old when his father took him to the community bonfire hosted by the North Saanich Fire Department (NSFD).
“My father and I drove out into the field picking branches off the ground for the bonfire. Back then, it was just a huge pile of yard waste.”
Twenty-eight years later, North Saanich Fire Department's Capt. Elia is getting ready to host this year’s Halloween bonfire with the rest of the fire department and volunteer firefighters.
“This has been going on for maybe over 30 years now,” Elia said.
Unlike the piles of branches and yard waste used to start up the bonfire from years ago, NSFD will be burning down clean wood from crushed palettes to ensure safety for the environment and the attendees.
The Halloween bonfire will take place on Oct. 31 at the Wain Road fire hall and is a joint effort between NSFD and the North Saanich Volunteer Firefighter Association.
Bay doors will open at 6 p.m. to welcome guests with free hot dogs and hot chocolate. Fireworks begin at 7:15 p.m.
The bonfire has become a big event for the community, attracting about 1,200 people every year.
