Here in ‘bootiful’ Elora and Fergus Halloween is seriously scary business.
Monster Month is a town wide celebration of ghosts and ghouls, creepy critters and things that go bump in the night.
Don’t be scared though, it’s a family friendly creative celebration, a Halloween extravaganza like no other. Think fun, not fear!
There are pumpkins, a parade, monster music and monster sculptures, soul warming soup and bone chilling banter, spirit walks, lantern walks, menacing movies and that’s just the tip of the witch’s hat!
Wellington County Museum and Archives joins in the festivities once again. The perfect venue, the building itself has a colourful and storied past. Join one of their Poor House Spirit or Cemetery Walks (day or night, Oct. 22-30) and see characters come back to life as they recount their tales of the Poor House. These tours are popular so get your tickets early – 519-846-0916 x5221. And if all that leaves your spine tingling, fear not, drop in crafts and activities for the kids are on offer too (Oct 18) so even the faintest of heart are included.
Celebrate Thanksgiving weekend with Sensational Elora. Enjoy Pumpkin Day (Oct. 10) at the Elora Farmers’ Market in Bissell Park. There will be pumpkin carving, pumpkin judging, pumpkin ice cream, live music and more. Sensational Soup Off (Oct. 12) – this is the Signature Event of Sensational Elora and the Empty Bowls/Empty Glasses Project.
A number of chefs, both amateur and professional, will face off by creating their best soup using as many local ingredients as possible.
All proceeds go towards combatting hunger in the local community. For more information please visit www.sensationalelora.com.
For those who prefer some structure to their spooks, the Guided Lantern Tours of Elora and Fergus are sure to deliver as two costumed characters lead you through the haunted heritage of our historic havens.
Savour the beautiful architecture and soak in the atmosphere of the towns’ rich and storied past. Admission is free and so are the goose bumps. Tours run Oct. 17, 24 and 30.
The Monster March Parade takes back the town on Oct. 24.
Turn up in your costume and walk with the masses, or simply watch the locals transform into their alter egos – vampires, witches, zombies – all the spook groups are represented.
Sponsored by Sensational Elora, this non-motorised parade is a huge Halloween highlight and takes place Saturday Oct. 24 at 6.30pm, begins at MacDonald Square and slithers through darkest downtown Elora finishing at the Wicked Woods on the grounds of the Mill Street Bistro and Smokehouse at 15 East Mill Street.
Walk the wobbly, misty woods, find the hidden fairy doors, bowl with baby pumpkins – fun for all the family.
Sponsored by Sensational Elora, the wicked woods also houses a ghoulish gathering of Tim Murton’s monster sculptures.
On Halloween night itself, you can watch the Rocky Horror Picture Show at the historic Gorge Cinema in downtown Elora.
And if that’s not enough why not rock out at Monster Mash? Village Idiots Productions and Riverfest Elora are joining forces to bring the best Halloween party this side of the Addams Family Mansion.Join them on Oct. 31 at the Elora Legion! Tickets available at Box Social, Ashanti and Santé.
Dare to find out more? For detailed information on all the grisly goings-on please visit www.elorafergus.ca and click on the calendar. If you prefer a blood-curdling live voice, call the tourist office at 519-846-9691 x382. Halloween in Elora and Fergus – so much more than costumes and candy.
