Leaves turn, nights draw in, winds whisper: “Something is coming, something is coming”. Halloween swoops into Elora and Fergus early in October and doesn’t leave until everyone has been well and truly spooked.
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. Here in bootiful Elora and Fergus we take our Halloween seriously.
Twilight Zoo – that spooktakular display of Tim Murton’s monsters – is back with a twist this year. Follow the tour all over town where surprises lurk at every turn. The sculptures are majestic masterpieces by day and eerie lanterns by night.
New this year, The Elora FrightFest swoops into town for a special weekend Oct. 19 to 20.
Full of fun, family, food and friends plus the return of The Witch’s Door! Located next to The Mill Street Bakery & Bistro, parents can watch over their bats and ghouls from the comfort of the cafe’s balcony while enjoying some fangtastic fare.
Back by popular demand, the 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 spirit walks day or night, Oct. 24 to 29, and see characters come back to life as they recount their tales of life at the Poor House. The museum’s hugely popular exhibition -The Elora Tarot Project – a tarot deck created by 65 local artists – is the perfect backdrop to any Halloween visit.
Add in a night time screening of the classic Halloween movie Sleepy Hollow on Oct.18, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for some serious spookiness.
And if all that leaves your spines tingling, fear not, drop in crafts and activities for the kids are on offer to Oct. 20, so even the faintest of heart are included.
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.19, 8pm, Elora Info Centre, 9 East Mill St., Oct. 25, 7pm, Elora Info Centre, 9 East Mill St., and Oct. 30, 7pm, downtown Fergus, library steps. For more information on Lantern Walks, contact Al Koop 519-846-6685, or oldervoices@sympatico.ca.
The Monster March Parade takes back the town. 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.
This non-motorized parade is a huge Halloween highlight and takes place Oct. 19 at 6.30pm, from MacDonald Square and slithers through darkest downtown Elora and ends at the Frightfest.
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 519-846-9841.
