Haunting Halloween Happenings in the South Shuswap
By Jo Boxwell
There are some spooktacular events coming up at the end of October in communities around the South Shuswap for Halloween enthusiasts of all ages. Hosted by community organizations and businesses, some events are free to attend while others require tickets to be purchased in advance.
Halloween Dance, Blind Bay
Get your costume ready for the Halloween Dance at Blind Bay Community Hall on October 25 at 7 pm. The event will include 19+ drinks, an “undead DJ” and more. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online. For more information, visit Blind Bay Community Hall on Facebook.
Halloween Dance, White Lake
A Halloween Dance and Costume Party will be happening at White Lake Community Hall on October 25 at 8 pm. There will be a cash bar, 50/50 draw and DJ music. Tickets are available online only and organizers say the event will sell out. Visit White Lake Halloween Dance and Party on Facebook to find out more.
Halloween Fireworks at Sunnybrae Community Hall in 2024. (Photo credit: Scoop staff)
Halloween Fireworks Fiesta, Sunnybrae
On October 31, 6pm - 8pm at Sunnybrae Community Hall there will be a barbecue, fireworks, bonfires, hot drinks, cinnamon buns, a 50/50 draw (gaming event license # 162461), candy and more at the Halloween Fireworks Fiesta. There will be prizes for individual costume, family costume and spookiest jack-o-lantern (bring your pre-carved pumpkin to display). This popular annual event is hosted by the Tappen-Sunnybrae Firefighters Association in partnership with Sunnybrae Community Association and Sunnybrae Seniors Centre. Sponsorship is provided by the CSRD (fireworks), Tappen Co-op (BBQ), Sunnybrae Camp / Millar College (cinnamon buns) and Downtown Timmies.
The BBQ starts at 6pm. Costume and jack-o-lantern prizes will be announced at 7pm, while the 50/50 draw winner will be announced at 7:15pm. Fireworks start at 7:30pm.
Village Grocer Treat Trail & Fun, Blind Bay
Village Grocer will be compiling a Treat Trail & Fun map for Sorrento and Blind Bay. Anyone who is decorating their home and would like to welcome trick-or-treaters can email ashley@bbvg.ca or visit either store location by October 24 to have their location included on the map.
On October 31, Blind Bay Village Grocer welcomes kids in costume to start their trick-or-treating adventure at the store parking lot from 4 pm - 7 pm. There will be a mini haunted house, games, a photo booth, warm burn barrels and treat bags. Hot dogs, chips and pop can be purchased with proceeds going to local fire departments.
More Halloween Thrills Around the Shuswap
From October 24 to November 1, check out Halloweek in Chase! The community will be hosting a long list of activities at various locations, including a Monster March Parade, Witches Paddle, Pumpkin Patch Maze After Dark, Homemade Horror Film Screening, Halloween Colouring Contest, Spooky Skate, Halloween Dance & much more. Visit chasefestival.ca/halloweek for all the details.
In the North Shuswap, Festival of Frights returns to the Be Teased Food Truck in Scotch Creek on October 25, 6pm - 9pm. Explore the haunted trail, enjoy hot dogs and hot chocolate, a cash bar and a bonfire. Entry is free; donations of dog food and toys will be collected for Riverhouse Rescue.
R.J. Haney Heritage Museum in Salmon Arm will be hosting the 26th Annual Spooktacular in Salmon Arm on October 25 and 26, 5 pm to 8:30 pm. Admission is $16 per person with free entry for little ones age five and under. There will be food vendors and a variety of family-friendly Halloween activities. Visit salmonarmmuseum.org for more information.
On October 31 at 3pm, Salmon Arm will be welcoming trick-or-treaters to venture along the 33rd Annual Downtown Salmon Arm Treat Trail. More than 75 downtown businesses and organizations will be joining in the fun. Visit Downtown Salmon Arm on Facebook to find out more.
