A guide to Halloween in Kingston 2019

While the weather isn’t doing us any favours in terms of ideal Halloween conditions, tradition (and fun for the little ones) cannot be disrupted!

With that in mind, we’ve put together a guide for all of our readers on different ways to celebrate the holiday, along with some handy tips from those with Kingston Fire and Rescue.

Indoor trick or treating options

Not all trick or treating is done outside, and with high winds and up to 50 mm of rain expected, this year might be just the year to take part in some of the indoor options instead. The Cataraqui Centre is always a great option, where several stores will be handing out treats so kids can go store-to-store instead of door-to-door, keeping their costumes warm and dry, too! Please keep in mind that the participation of individual stores may vary.

Many area apartment buildings encourage trick or treating in the building, but make sure you have permission or are with someone who resides in the building. Another wonderful option is retirement homes, where residents enjoy seeing the children all dressed up as their favourite heroes or scary monsters while passing out candy. Check ahead to ensure the retirement home is participating in Halloween, or go to Arbour Heights Retirement Home at 564 Tanner Drive, where costumed kids are welcomed annually.

Readers have also pointed out that Waterford Retirement Home, at 471 Cataraqui Woods Dr, will also be participating, and residents have set up an indoor movie screening from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Teal pumpkins

The Teal Pumpkin Project was designed to create a safe and happy Halloween that is inclusive for all children, particularly those with food allergies. Those who participate will place a pumpkin painted teal on their doorstep, signifying they are have non-food treats available, such as glow sticks or small toys. Kingstonist put out a call for all of those participating to let us know whereabouts they are located. Below is a list of the blocks in Kingston where you’ll find a teal pumpkin and a residence sure to hand out non-food treats.

• 100 block of Balmoral Court
• 200 block Brodie Avenue
• 400 block of Cheryl Place
• 600 block of Fieldstone Drive
• 1300 block of Frank Street
• 500 block of Freeman Street
• 1300 block of Greenwood Park Drive
• 100 block of Howard Crescent
• 400 block of Laura Avenue
• 800 block of Lotus Avenue
• 500 block of McCallum Street
• 600 block of Mandara Drive
• 400 block of Maureen Street
• 900 block of Rainbow Crescent
• 1700 block of Reginald Bart Drive
• 100 & 200 block of Rose Abbey Drive
• 400 & 500 block of St. Martha Street
• 2200 block of Swanfield Street
• 1300 block of Thornwood Crescent
• 900 block of Warburton Crescent

Tips from Kingston Fire and Rescue

Kingston Fire & Rescue (KFR) wants to remind residents to think about fire prevention and safety this Halloween on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019.

“Halloween is a fun time of year that all ages look forward to. We’ve prepared a list of tips that we ask all residents to take a few minutes to review and then act upon,” said Ted Posadowski, Chief Fire Prevention Officer for KFR. “We wish all Kingstonians a fun and safe Halloween.”

 Safety at home:

• Never use candles in decorative paper bags or jack-o-lanterns. Instead, use battery-operated lights or glow sticks.
• If you absolutely must use a candle, use a tea light in a non-combustible holder and never leave it unattended. Place candlelit pumpkins on sturdy tables or surfaces away from areas that may come in contact with costumes, curtains or other combustible materials. Always keep children and pets away from candles.
• It is important to never overload electrical outlets with holiday lighting or special effects and to always keep exit doors unobstructed. 

Safety while trick or treating:

• The best costumes are fire retardant and reflective. Keep costumes short, and avoid loose clothing to reduce the chance of tripping and to minimize the risk of contact with candles.
• Teach children to STOP, DROP and ROLL should their clothing catch fire: STOP immediately, DROP to the ground and cover face, and ROLL over and over to extinguish the flames.
• Give trick-or-treaters a flashlight with fresh batteries or glow sticks and refresh traffic safety rules.  Be extra careful when driving and accompany children when they go out trick-or-treating.

Tips from the Ontario Provincial Police

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have provided the following tips to help keep everyone safe and happy during Halloween festivities:

• Carry a flashlight and select a costume with bright colours and reflective material to increase visibility to drivers
• Use makeup instead of masks. Masks can reduce one’s ability to see obstacles, vehicles and other people
• Avoid baggy, long and oversized costumes that can be a tripping hazard
• Walk, don’t run and remember to stop, look and listen before crossing the street
• Never criss-cross the street. Cross at crosswalks or intersections. Call on one side of the street, then the other
• Never trick or treat alone, go in a group or with an adult
• If trick or treating with friends tell your parents/guardians your route and when you will be home
• Stay in familiar neighbourhoods and only go to homes that are well lit and that are participating in Halloween
• Never go inside a house to get your treat
• Always have your treats checked by an adult before eating them
• Motorists are reminded to drive with caution, reduce speeds and be on the lookout for trick or treaters throughout the afternoon and evening.

Have fun, stay safe, and don’t eat too much candy all at once, Kingston! And don’t forget your jack-o-lanterns can be reused in the Pumpkin Parade in downtown Kingston, or donated to Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre (8749 County Road 2 in Napanee) or Happy Tails Farm Sanctuary (3225 Wilson Road in Harrowsmith). Lemoine Point Farmer is also accepting pumpkin donations. DM him on Facebook to arrange pick-up. Please only donate pumpkins that have not been painted and do not have wax in/on them — the animals will thank you!