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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2012
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Join ghosts, goblins and witches Saturday for Maskeraid Halloween Parade
COMMUNITY
By TARA GESNER tgesner@perfprint.ca
Randy Hillier takes action to get Queen’s Park back to work. – Page 3
FEATURE Photo by TIFFANY LEPACK
Zombie nurse, Jessica Huether, sizes up Brianna and Bailee Demers as Dr. Riggormorto, Scott MacLean creeps behind Zackary Lewis during Carnival Diablo’s Asylum of Horrors on Saturday night at Carambeck Community Centre.
Beckwith throws Halloween Party Friday night – all invited By TARA GESNER tgesner@perfprint.ca
Performers prepare for MUDDS Murder Mystery. – Page 18
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EMC Events – Halloween arrives a few days early this year in Beckwith, when the township holds its annual Halloween Party and Pumpkin Carving Contest on Friday, Oct. 26 at Beckwith Park. Everyone is welcome, said Cassandra MacGregor, executive assistant/recreation coordinator at the township. The affair, running from 6 to 8 p.m., features a haunted house, graveyard and numerous other activities, including touchy-feely table, craft station, face painting, cookie decorating, pumpkin bowling, fortune teller, obstacle course, bobbing for gummy worms, ring toss and more. The party attracts in the region of 450 children and their parents. “Our Halloween Party is great fun for the whole family, especially those with young children,” said Beckwith Reeve Richard Kidd.
The Halloween party is also one of those events that brings the community together each year.” The township’s leader said its success is due to all the hard work of the Beckwith Youth Committee (BYC), the community volunteers and township staff. “All activities are held under the coverall and inside the barn on the park’s property,” said MacGregor, “and there is a bonfire between the two locations for people to enjoy.” It’s a safe environment for kids to be in and have fun, she continued. Admission to the Halloween Party is free. There is, however, a donation jar at the door. A snack table offers coffee and hot chocolate, and treat bags are handed out to children. MacGregor noted the night’s guided haunted house tour is always a big hit. Scary and non-scary versions are of-
fered. “We always ask first, (before people go through),” she said. Party guests are reminded to wear their Halloween costume. “This event is great fun and I encourage everyone to attend,” said Kidd. Pumpkin carving Those wishing to participate in the Pumpkin Carving Contest should bring their own carved pumpkin by 6 p.m. The public throughout the evening will do judging. Entries will be accepted from individuals, families or classes. Winners will be notified on Oct. 29 (Monday), as well as announced in the December issue of the Beckwith Beaver. Beckwith Park is located at 1319 9th Line. For additional information or to volunteer, contact the Beckwith Recreation Department at 613-257-1539 or cmcgregor@twp.beckwith.on.ca.
EMC Events – As the sun goes down and the air cools on Saturday, Oct. 27, excited children and adults alike will line Bridge Street in Carleton Place in anticipation of the ghastly delights they are about to witness. That evening the local Business Improvement Area (BIA) hosts its eighth annual Maskeraid Halloween Parade – a family fun event that brings thousands of locals and visitors to the municipality’s downtown hub for spooktacular floats, costumes and candy. “Last year we ran out of candy,” said BIA coordinator Cathie McOrmond with a laugh. “This year we will have 10 times more candy.” The rain or shine parade starts at 7 p.m., beginning at the Heritage Mall on Lansdowne Avenue and travelling up Bridge Street to Mill Street. “It usually lasts one hour,” said McOrmond, “and there is a festive atmosphere.” Participants let their creativity shine with their costumes and decorations. It is quite a show. The BIA coordinator is hoping to see an increase in floats this year. “Carleton Place and area community and social groups, businesses, friends and sports teams can dress up in costume and decorate a float,” she said, “or parents can have a day-long Halloween party for their kids.” Some of the parade participants already registered include Valley Design Company, 92.3 JACK FM and Y101, People First of Lanark County, Carleton Place & District Chamber of Commerce and Carleton Place Farmers’ Market, Floral Boutique, IDA Drug Mart and Sister City Committee. Downtown businesses will have their windows decorated and restaurants will be open.
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Once again the event is in support of a very important organization – the Lanark County Food Bank (LCFB). Spectators are asked to bring non-perishable food items, which will be collected along the parade route by the Rotary Club of Carleton Place & Mississippi Mills and other volunteers. “The food bank is seeing a greater need,” said McOrmond, “and it is just before Christmas time.” She added the Rotary Club of Carleton Place & Mississippi Mills is also helping with safety and crowd control. For this year’s parade the BIA has made changes in terms of safety. No parking will be allowed on Bridge Street, and the route will be roped off. Above all it is a great night of fun, said McOrmond, and a great lead in to Halloween. She noted the weather the last couple of years has been particularly good. Volunteers, especially students looking to fulfill their required hours can help out by handing out candy or collecting food for the LCFB. The BIA truly appreciates the outstanding support of the Community Emergency Response Volunteers (CERV) program, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Auxiliary OPP, BIA Board of Directors and town, said McOrmond. For addition information, to volunteer or to register for the 2012 Maskeraid Halloween Parade (by Oct. 19), contact McOrmond at 613-2578049 or cmcormond@carletonplace.ca. Registration forms can be downloaded at www.downtowncarletonplace.com/MaskeraidHalloweenParade. “There is no cost to register; however, participants must sign a waiver,” explained McOrmond. Don’t miss the area’s only Halloween parade. Pleasure seekers are guaranteed to have fun!
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