Halloween in Greater Vernon

Photo: Contributed - http://downtownvernon.com/events/halloween-treat-trail/

The Greater Vernon area is gearing up for Halloween Friday night and making sure residents have all the info they need for a safe and fun Halloween.

First, on the fun side of things, residents are all invited to the Halloween Treat Trail Friday afternoon.

Over 80 businesses in the downtown area will be handing out candy and treats to kids trick-or-treating under 12 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Interested families can download a list of participants here, along with a printable Treat Trail map. 

The Community Policing Office is one of those who will open for trick-or-treaters as part of the DVA’s Trick-or-Treat Trail.

The City of Vernon Safe Communities Unit also has a list of tips they hope trick-or-treaters and motorists will utilize to keep everyone safe this Halloween.

• Always trick-or-treat with a friend. Younger children should be with an adult.
• Always have a flashlight if you are going to be out after dark.
• Make sure cars can see you by wearing light-coloured, non-flammable fabric. Glow sticks and reflective tape help people in vehicles see trick-or-treaters in the dark.
• Choose make-up instead of mask so that you can see. If you must wear a mask, make the eyeholes larger so you can see. Push the mask up on your head when you are walking.
• Only go to well-lit homes and only accept treats at the door. Never go inside.
• Remember to always STOP, LOOK and LISTEN before crossing the road. Make sure that you make eye contact with the drivers so that you know they have seen you before you cross the street.
• Plan a trick-or-treat route and a curfew time for older trick-or-treaters.
• Always have a parent check over candy before eating the treats.

With all those tips in mind the North Okanagan RCMP are also urging residents to stay safe this Halloween.

“We want everyone to have a safe Halloween, so think safety both when you are driving and walking out there,” urges RCMP spokesman Gord Molendyk.

Photo: Facebook - Coldstream Fire Hall

He says with Halloween on a Friday this year they are anticipating it will be busier than normal with more trick-or-treaters and partiers out and about.

“We want to remind parents to take time to talk to your children that are out by themselves to be careful,” says Molendyk. “Do not run back and forth across the streets, have something reflective on so you can be seen, carry a flash light and wear a costume that allows you to move easily.”

The RCMP are also reminding residents to ensure their pets are secured for their own safety.

As well residents should make sure their driveways and sidewalks are clear of obstructions for the safety of all trick-or-treaters.

A friendly reminder is also coming from the RCMP that fire crackers and fireworks are not permitted to be set off anywhere within the City of Vernon.

If found in violation you can be fined. 

With that in mind, several Greater Vernon area fire departments are putting on a free show for those who would still like to enjoy some permitted fireworks Halloween night. 

If you want to check out the fireworks in Coldstream, head down Kal Beach for the 8 p.m. show and enjoy the bonfire and hot chocolate while you watch.

Those on the north end of Vernon can also check out the fireworks put on by the BX-Swan Lake Fire department. Their fireworks take off at 8 p.m. but residents are invited to the bonfire and concession before hand starting at 6 p.m.

Several other fire departments are also treating residents to a show including Armstrong, Lumby, Lavington and Falkland.