Masks on display at a pop up Halloween store in West Kelowna.
(ADAM PROSKIW / iNFOnews.ca)
October 25, 2013 - 3:33 PM
KELOWNA - Everyone knows that Halloween in the Okanagan is marked by pop-up costume stores, haunted houses and trick or treater’s, but here are five things you might not know about All Hallows Eve.
Fireworks are illegal in Kelowna (sort of)
City of Kelowna bylaw No. 8789 states that you cannot buy, sell, use or store fireworks within the city limits without a permit. However, it is still legal to purchase them at places like Fast Track Gas, which is located on First Nations land off Highway 97 in Kelowna. The prices range from a few dollars to the “Ammo Crate” which is a trunk filled with all the fireworks sold at the stand. At a price of more than $500, it’s only for those serious about their sky candy.
“Fireworks are always a concern,” says RCMP Cst. Clark. “Obviously they are a safety issue and they happen every year throughout the week before and after Halloween. I’m sure we’ll respond to a number of fireworks being set off this weekend.”
If you want to see fireworks this weekend, the Lake Country Winfield Lions Club is hosting a fireworks display at Beasley Park on Oct. 31.
Adults cause more trouble on Halloween weekend than kids
RCMP spokesperson Cst. Kris Clark says that the vast majority of Halloween call outs will be for overly-intoxicated partiers, and not mischievous, bored teenagers.
“With dress up parties, for some reason, we see higher levels of intoxication among adults who are out for a night of partying,” he said.
Halloween weekend is not that busy for local police
“We don’t expect anything out of the norm on Halloween weekend, other than the occasional house party, but that’s nothing that we wouldn’t deal with on a typical summer weekend,” says Cst. Clark. “It won’t come close to what we saw over the Centre of Gravity weekend, for example.”
You don’t have to spend a fortune for a good costume
“You can get a great costume for under $20,” says Annie Guillo, who works at Halloween Craze in West Kelowna. She says that the best costumes incorporate a home-made element and show off the wearer’s creativity and individuality.
"Zombies are a good choice because all you need to buy is make up and go around moaning 'brains'."
“Some people are huge fans of Halloween and they go all out,” said Annie. “Wigs, glasses, funny shoes, costumes, they are done up to the nines, but that’s not the only way to have a great costume.”
This year, the hottest costume is the Despicable Me minion and Halloween Craze has been sold out of the popular Universal Pictures characters for days.
“We really encourage parents to get their kids’ costumes as early as possible, as we always sell out of at least one costume.”
More women than men dress up for Halloween
When it comes to couples’ costumes, some go funny, some go sexy and some go scary.
“We’ve seen couples (dressed) as Greek gods and goddesses, jail birds, pilots and flight attendants.”
She says that far more women dress up for Halloween than men and Annie encourages husbands and boyfriends to get involved and have some fun.
“I have a lot of female customers who wish their husbands would dress up with them,” said Annie. “So take the hint, guys. Dress up, we love it!”
Halloween events around the Okanagan
The East Kelowna Community Hall will host a Haunted Hall from Oct. 25 to Oct. 31 at noon and 6 pm. Cost is $5.00 per person.
Gates open for Kinshira's annual !Fright Night! at Rutland Centennial Park starting at 6 pm. Fire shows start at 7 pm and admission is by donation.
76-year-old West Kelowna resident Christine Cameron will be dressing up as Tinkerbell this Halloween.
(ADAM PROSKIW / iNFOnews.ca)
News from © iNFOnews, 2013