Halloween is happening this year, but a handful of communities across Vancouver Island have decided to cancel formal celebrations of the popular holiday.
Central Saanich, Lantzville and Qualicum Beach are among a number of municipalities that have announced that their annual Halloween celebrations this year won’t be happening due to COVID-19.
The District of Central Saanich and the District of Highlands announced that their annual Halloween bonfires are cancelled this year.
Cases of COVID-19 have skyrocketed in British Columbia in recent weeks, with more than 1,000 new infections recorded in less than seven days.
Elsewhere, the Village of Cumberland said it has cancelled its Halloween trick-or-treat costume parade while the District of Lantzville also cancelled its annual Halloween firework display.
“In light of the ongoing COVID-19 risks and restrictions, the Lantzville Volunteer Firefighters Association is not holding a bonfire and fireworks display in 2020,” the district said in a statement on its website.
The Town of Qualicum Beach also announced that all its Halloween events won’t be taking place this year either.
However, the District of Sooke and the Sooke Harmony Project are co-hosting a drive-in movie on Halloween at Seaparc Leisure Complex on Phillips Road, where they will be screening The Nightmare Before Christmas.
North Saanich is also holding a trick-or-treat drive-thru at Wain Road Fire Hall, 986 Wain Rd., on Halloween between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
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