City of Brantford is gearing up for its annual Scare in the Square event, being held on Friday, October 2, from 5 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, October 3, from 1 to 10 p.m.
Those interested in attending the fall event can expect a variety of family-friendly activities across both days, including Casper’s Craft Corner and the Boo-tique Nail Salon, paranormal tours, two escape rooms, food and marketplace vendors, and the opportunity to vote for their favourite scarecrow and pumpkins.
The Kiddies Fun Trak amusement ride and carnival games will also be running across both days, from 5 to 10 p.m. on October 2, and 1 to 9 p.m. on October 3. While Scare in the Square is otherwise free to attend, all day wristbands are available for $7 per person a day or $10 per person for both days, and single ride tickets are $2.
The weekend’s festivities will officially get underway on Friday evening with the opening ceremonies at 5 p.m.
For those with four-legged friends, the HOWL-o-ween Dog Parade will take place shortly after at 5:30 p.m., with the dog costume contest to follow. Marco the Clown will also be on-site twisting balloons from 5 to 7 p.m., while a Halloween roller skating party and live DJ is set to take place from 6:30 to 10 p.m. (registration required, with rentals available for $5).
The fun continues on Saturday with a full lineup of activities and entertainment planned throughout the day.
The Comedy in Motion: Stilt Walking Duo will be roaming around from 12:50 to 1:30 p.m., with the pair returning in the afternoon for a juggling show on the Bell Stage from 1:40 to 2 p.m.
Youngsters in attendance are encouraged to embrace the Halloween spirit in costume for trick-or-treating amongst local businesses around Harmony Square from 2 to 4 p.m., followed by the Kids and Adults costume contest taking place from 4 to 5 p.m.
The fan-favourite stationary Jeep and Mustang parade is also set for 2 to 4 p.m. and will feature a selection of spook-tacular themed vehicles.
At 5 p.m. Quinn Morriss and the QM Dance Company will be teaching visitors the iconic Thriller dance, while Studio 5.6.7.8. will entertain the crowd with a performance starting at 6 p.m.
New to this year’s event is Saturday’s silent disco in partnership with Contact Brant, happening from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
For teens and adults looking for more of a fright, there’s also a selection of activities taking place at Mohawk Park on both days from 6 to 10 p.m., with free shuttles available between Harmony Square and the park.
Tickets can be purchased on-site to enter the Movie Slashes Haunted House in the pavilion, while the park’s Scare in the Trail is free to participate in.
It should be noted that attendees must be aged 13 or over, or with an adult aged 18 or over to enter either attraction.
In a media release from September 14, Jennifer Middleton, Brantford’s Special Events Supervisor said she was looking forward to seeing everyone get into the Halloween spirit.
“Brantford is the place to be this October, filling downtown with spooky fun for all ages,” said Jennifer Middleton, Special Events Supervisor. “It’s always exciting to see residents, local businesses and visitors get into the spirit by dressing up and joining the fun. The City is grateful to our sponsors and volunteers for helping make this free to attend, beloved event possible.”
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
