The scary show must go on. To that end, Woolwich Township is doling out $1,000 for the newly-minted Halloween Haunt.
Organized by the Kin Club of Woolwich, it’s scheduled for Oct. 20. The event picks up where The Great Pumpkin Party left off. Presented for 13 years by the Observer, the Halloween party was the paper’s way of giving back to the community. With the assistance of a variety of sponsors, it was a free event attended by hundreds of people annually.
Appearing at council Tuesday night, the Kin Club’s Kim Carroll said the new event requires township support in order to make it what the pumpkin party was in the past. It will continue to be free, though organizers will be seeking donations.
The club was involved with the pumpkin party last year. With that event winding down, Kin members were interested in continuing something that provides entertainment to some 400-plus kids. As well, more than 50 high school students act as volunteers with the popular haunted house organized by the EDSS drama department.
Mayor Todd Cowan led the charge to provide funding, with other councillors appearing more reluctant. While ultimately voting in favour Coun. Mark Bauman said he was worried about setting a precedent for other groups to come forward with similar requests, perhaps at the last minute as well.
His suggestion the money be in the form of a start-up loan was echoed by Coun. Allan Poffenroth, the lone dissenting voice.
In response to questions about the Kin Club’s support for the event, Carroll said the service club is donating the food and expects to spend about $300 on decorations.
In looking to find the money, clerk Christine Broughton suggested there was room in the council and information services budget, perhaps using funds earmarked for advertising, to cover the request.
As with the pumpkin party before it, the first annual Halloween Haunt will take place at Elmira District Secondary School.
