SUNDRE — Spectres and other ghostly apparitions will for the second year in a row be returning to haunt the grounds of historic village on Halloween for some frightful fun.
Carolyn Sykes, a volunteer organizer with the Sundre & District Museum, confirmed late last week that plans are in place to decorate some of the pioneer-era buildings and host a family friendly event followed by an opportunity for adults to have some fun as well.
“We’re excited about it,” said Sykes. “Last year was so much fun."
She added with a laugh that she loves Halloween probably more than the kids do.
The event takes place this Sunday, Oct. 31, starting first with an opportunity for parents or guardians to come out with children from 5-6:30 p.m., which should leave plenty of time for those who plan to go trick-or-treating later, Sykes said, adding volunteers from the Sundre Municipal Library will be helping out with the children’s portion of the evening.
“We’ll be following COVID protocols,” she said, largely in reference to measures like physical distancing since masks, which people can choose to wear, are not required outdoors.
To facilitate adhering to physical distancing, the entrance to the haunted village will be through the round building adjacent the museum’s main double doors so people can avoid going inside the building.
“We’re trying to limit the number of people coming through the museum,” she said.
While there will be no cost of admission, she said people are encouraged to either provide a donation to the museum or alternatively a non-perishable food item for the food bank.
Then, following a half an hour break to warm up, the adult’s portion of the evening is scheduled from 7-9 p.m. Those who come out should keep their heads on a swivel as there might be some hidden figures lurking in the shadows waiting to haunt any who venture past.
“There’s something for everybody,” she said, adding organizers want to provide a pleasant and safe Halloween for everyone. “For us, it’s all about making this a memorable event.”
And along the way, perhaps also even pique people’s interest in the museum, the historic village, as well as all of the artifacts and stories contained therein, she added.
“I get so many compliments from people out of town that it’s the best museum they’ve seen," she said.
While plans are set to proceed, organizers still welcome any additional volunteers who might be interested either in donning a costume, perhaps donating more props and decorations such as discarded sheets that could come in handy to stage a few extra ghosts, or both, she said.
Anyone who might be interested can either email Sykes at [email protected] or alternatively call her at 403-638-4606.
