Monday night will be packed with fun and not just for trick or treaters. Groups across the West Shore are organizing a number of Halloween events for all ages to attend.
The Metchosin Volunteer Firefighter’s Society and the District of Metchosin will be hosting their annual Halloween party at the municipal grounds, 4450 Happy Valley Rd.
This year, the team is stepping up the scare factor and are putting together a “haunting hall” for only the brave of heart to enter. But not to worry, for the younger members of the family there will be the traditional costume contest, a preschool corner, as well as free hot dogs and juice, a huge bonfire and of course, fireworks for all to enjoy.
Doors open at 6 p.m. with costume judging getting underway at 7 p.m. Fireworks are also scheduled to begin immediately after sunset, with the event expected to wrap up at 9 p.m.
Not to be outdone Colwood and Langford will also be hosting their own events. The Colwood community bonfire will take place at the firehall, 3215 Metchosin Rd., with events getting underway at 6:30 p.m. and finishing up at 9. Don’t miss members of the Colwood Volunteer Firefighters Association handing out treats and serving up hot dogs and hot chocolate around the bonfire.
Members of Langford Fire Rescue will be handing out full sized chocolate bars, hot chocolate, hot dogs and more at all three of their stations. Events in Langford get underway at 5:30 p.m. and are expected to wrap up by 8:30 at Station 1, 2625 Peatt Rd.; Station 2, 3205 Happy Valley Rd.; and Station 3, 2872 Sooke Lake Rd.
For those in View Royal, events will be taking place at the View Royal Public Safety Building, 333 Island Highway, from 6 to 9 p.m. Grab a hot dog for dinner, warm up with a cup of cocoa and add some candy to trick or treating stashes. For more information on this event call 250-479-7322.
And not to be forgotten, events in the Highlands get underway at 7 p.m. at the Community Hall, 729 Finlayson Arm Rd. Everyone is welcome to attend the bonfire and enjoy the free refreshments and coffee.
Sponsored by the Highlands Firefighters Association, there will even be some fireworks to finish off the evening. Participants are asked to bring treats for the kids and some fireworks to add to the pile. Donations of non-perishable food items are also being collected for the food bank.
Metchosin offers pet safety tips for Halloween
The District of Metchosin is reminding West Shore residents to keep their pets safe during Halloween events. While fireworks can be fun for many, the loud bangs can be stressful for animals and can possibly cause them pain due to their acute hearing.
The District recommends small pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs, mice and birds be treated with extra care when fireworks are being let off.
Dogs and cats should also be kept inside on Halloween. Close all windows and doors and block off any door flaps to keep pets from escaping and noise to a minimum.
Draw the curtains and if your pets are used to the sounds of TV or radio, switch them on low in order to block out some noise. Avoid leaving them alone if possible and don’t tie dogs up outside. Dogs should also not be brought to any of the firework displays on the West Shore, as the noise can be damaging, even if they don’t bark or whimper.
For larger livestock such as horses and ponies, leave them in an environment they are familiar with. If a horse is used to being stabled at night, keep them stabled. If they are used to being out in the field, leave them there as long as it’s safe, secure and not near a fireworks display.
katie@goldstreamgazette.com