VALLEYINBRIEF

Stay safe this Halloween

With the spookiest day of the year now upon us, the Penticton Fire Department has some safety tips to ensure the fun isn’t ruined by a real emergency.

Chief Larry Watkinson notes about 40 per cent of all decoration fires are caused by candles, so battery operated lights or glow sticks are preferred.

Also of note:

— When choosing costumes, the brighter the better. Avoid long trailing fabric. If your child is wearing a mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough so he or she can see out.

— Teach children to stay away from open flames, including jack-o-lanterns with candles in them.

— Tell your children if their clothes catch on fire to stop immediately, drop to the ground and roll over and over to extinguish the flames.

— Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper catch fire easily. Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like lightbulbs and heaters.

— For social gatherings, remember to avoid over-crowding, keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes, make sure all smoke alarms in the home are working, and in the event of an emergency, call 911.

— Drivers should be especially careful on the road during Halloween. Avoid pedestrian-vehicle collisions by slowing down and eliminating distractions.

Free downtown parking for Christmas OK’d

Parking spots may be hard to find during Christmas season, but at least the metered ones in the downtown area will be free every Saturday in December.

The past several years have brought free parking at the recommendation of the Downtown Penticton Association and approval by city council, which gave its approval for 2018 at Tuesday’s meeting.

Meters won’t need feeding on Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29. City lots and private lots are excluded.

“This parking request was approved last year and it was definitely a big part of a successful holiday 2017 shopping season,” said Lynn Allin, executive director of the Penticton DPA, in a written request to city staff earlier this month.

Despite a projected loss of approximately $5,000 in parking fees, it’s hoped that free parking will bring more shoppers into Penticton’s downtown core and generate more business for store owners.

OK Falls market heading inside

The Okanagan Falls Market in the Park is moving indoors Nov. 3.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Seniors Centre, visitors can check out vendors from Okanagan Falls, Keremeos, Kaleden, Oliver and Osoyoos.

Wares will range from birdhouses and blankets to plants and preserves.

Food and drink will be available for purchase, along with door prizes worth over $500.