Keeping kids safe during Halloween while still letting them have a ghoulish good time led organizers to start the annual Boo at the Creek event, held Oct. 27 at Nose Creek Park. “I love Halloween – I had such fond memories of dressing up at school, and being outside and running around in the evenings,” said Paige Cutler, one of the event’s organizers. “I wanted to create something that provided a safe atmosphere during the day for kids to come out and show off their costumes.” Cutler decided to hold the event after hearing from some parents they were fearful of allowing their kids to go out trick-or-treating in the evening. Schools were changing or eliminating Halloween events, she said, preferring to host orange-and-black days rather than letting students dress up in costume. The event also has a philanthropic side – attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item or cash donation for the Airdrie Food Bank. Cutler said this acts as the price of admission to the event. Last year’s Boo at the Creek was attended by about 1,500 kids and parents, she said, and raised approximately $4,000 for the food bank. “I think it’s such an important cause, and something any of us could end up having to use,” she said. “It’s pretty incredible. The first year, we had 500 people attend and I think we had a truckload of food for the food bank. “I thought I could pair the two together and do something to give back to the community…and do something that re-ignited that spirit of Halloween.” Kids can visit 16 booths and take part in a variety of activities to earn candy while having fun, she added. Activities include crafts, games, face painting and attending a performance by a magician. They all have one thing in common – they scream Halloween. “Digging for bones in a coffin, finding eyeballs in a witch’s cauldron and pinning the spider on the web are examples of the activities,” she said. “It’s like [the kids are] trick-or-treating around to each station.” The activities are appropriate for a variety of ages, according to Cutler, with some planned specifically for pre-school children and others for kids up to about the age of 12. The event will also feature entertainment provided by a DJ and at least one food truck. Cutler said she hopes the kids will take part in a costume parade at some point in the day. Boo at the Creek runs from 1 to 4 p.m. at Nose Creek Park. The event will go ahead rain, snow or shine, Cutler said. More information is available by searching for the event on Facebook.
