Gleeful ghouls abound in suburban haunts
Cheezies, chips, and, of course, loads of chocolate are at the ready at Shelley Wark-Martyn’s front door.
Every Halloween, the McKenzie Towne grandma anticipates an onslaught of anywhere between 200 and 250 little ghouls, goblins, fairies and Frankensteins demanding a sample of her wares.
“Some years, especially when it’s warm, I’ll just park myself on the porch and hand it all out,” says Wark-Martyn, a resident of the southeast suburban community, well-known for its unique front-porch, veranda-style streetscape.
“It starts at 6 p.m. and doesn’t stop until 8 p.m.,” she laughs.
“But it’ll be a fun night. I’ll have my three grandkids over for supper and pumpkin carving.”
As Calgary’s growing suburbs continue to welcome more and more young families, outlying communities still tend to welcome the highest number of trick-or-treaters, particularly in upscale enclaves where the kids know they’ll get a good return on their efforts.
Trick-or-treaters are expected in the hundreds in McKenzie Lake Island, an exclusive estate community that’s gated throughout the year to the public but has in recent years opened up only on All Hallow’s Eve.
Several homes inside the Island, it is said, annually stock full-sized candy bars out of generosity and goodwill.
“We do it. We buy the full sized-bars and, yes, it gets expensive,” said Lorena McDonald, an Island resident who says she welcomed 470 young visitors last Halloween.
“It’s crazy, I know, but the kids really count on it — it’s a big deal for them.”
Cranston resident Shane Byciuk, who expects as many as 200 kids this year, added that beyond the traditional tricks and treats at front doors across the city, communities are creating more neighbourly activities to include everyone in the family, from parents, seniors and kids of all ages.
A Cranston cul-de-sac just down from Byciuk’s own street will burn its annual bonfire, handing out cappuccinos and hot chocolate for chilly parents.
Several homes will also set up as resident haunted houses, opening their doors for community tours.
“It’s nice to see events like these, it sure brings everybody together.”
But while the suburbs will be crazy as usual, many inner-city residents are expecting yet another quiet Halloween.
“We don’t usually get more than 10 kids,” said John McDermid, longtime president of the Crescent Heights Community Association.
McDermid admits, many inner-city areas, particularly those built in the 1960s and 70s, are starting to turn over, with the first generation making way for younger families.
But Crescent Heights, which dates back to 1914 overlooking the city’s Bow River and downtown, will probably always have a complex mix of demographics, he says.
“It just really seems to vary along some streets. Kids don’t go as far afield anymore, they’re under close supervision.
“But even though you will see the majority of young families in the suburbs, the inner city will always be a draw for some young families.”