BONNYVILLE - After wearing their costumes to school, kids were seen across town picking up candy not only at people's homes, but throughout the community at the Bonnylodge and Bonnyville Baptist Church, among other stops.
The Bonnyville Baptist Church was at the heart of the Halloween action, as it hosted a Candy Carnival and Community Barbecue. The Bonnyville Pontiacs hockey players were also stationed around town, helping the crowds and traffic navigate busy intersections.
Senior Pastor Graham McDonald said the Baptist Church has been doing the Halloween event for almost 20 years, and after the pandemic forced them to do the event outside, they figured they quite liked the approach and have been hosting the carnival games out of the backs of their vehicles ever since.
The outdoor community barbecue was a welcomed addition, especially as McDonald noted that trick-or-treating happens around dinner time. Families could trick-or-treat their way toward the church and stop in for a burger or hotdog and a cup of hot chocolate to warm them up.
“It’s a way for us to serve our community. As a church we’re part of the community like everyone else and we want to provide a safe and fun environment where parents can bring their kids and have fun while getting the candy they enjoy on Halloween,” said McDonald.
Cst. E. Rodgers and Cst. C. Mendoza-Acevedo were stationed outside the Bonnyville RCMP building handing out jack-o-lantern buckets full of goodies to a steady stream of kids.
While the residents at the Bonnylodge seniors housing dressed up and greeted trick-or-treaters who came into the front foyer. The residents enjoyed the show of Halloween costumes and smiling children.