Based on coverage from CBC, CTV, and Global.
Halloween Postponed in Bathurst Due to Weather
In a move that has sparked both understanding and debate, Bathurst, New Brunswick, has decided to postpone Halloween festivities due to a frightful weather forecast. Environment Canada has issued special weather alerts for the region, predicting 25 to 40 millimetres of rain and winds gusting up to 70 kilometres per hour. Some areas, like Fundy National Park and Saint John, could see as much as 60 millimetres of rain. This prompted Bathurst to reschedule its official Halloween activities, including trick-or-treating, to November 1.
Luc Foulem, Bathurst's communications manager, emphasized that the decision was made with safety in mind. "It’s one thing to go trick-or-treating with a bit of rain and cloudy conditions, but when we’re talking about substantial amounts of precipitation and wind, then we’re talking about a different situation altogether," Foulem explained to CBC Radio. While some residents expressed concern over the possibility of children "double-dipping" for candy on two nights, Foulem noted that safety was the priority.
Mixed Reactions Across the Maritimes
The decision to postpone Halloween has not been universally adopted across the Maritimes. Moncton, Dieppe, and Riverview have opted to keep Halloween on October 31, regardless of the weather. "Rain or shine, Halloween isn’t going anywhere! Ghosts, goblins, and ghouls don’t take snow days or rain checks!" declared the City of Moncton in a bulletin.
In contrast, some Cape Breton communities, like Eskasoni and Membertou, have moved Halloween to Thursday evening, citing similar safety concerns. Meanwhile, the Halifax Regional Municipality and Cape Breton Regional Municipality are sticking with the original date, with local fire halls and community centres offering indoor alternatives to keep the festivities going.
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Alternative Celebrations in the Face of Stormy Weather
In response to the stormy forecast, some communities are offering indoor events as a safer alternative to traditional trick-or-treating. Edmundston, New Brunswick, is hosting a day full of activities at the Edmundston Sports Pavilion, including inflatable games, swimming, and rock climbing, ensuring that children still have a chance to celebrate without braving the elements. Similarly, the Village of Kedgwick is opening its community centre to provide a dry and safe environment for Halloween fun.
On Prince Edward Island, cities like Charlottetown, Cornwall, Stratford, and Summerside have postponed trick-or-treating to Saturday, prioritizing the safety of children and families. An 8 p.m. curfew will be in effect in these communities to ensure a safe and enjoyable evening.
As the weather remains unpredictable, officials across the Maritimes are urging families to exercise caution. Nova Scotia’s Minister of Emergency Management, Kim Masland, advised, "With heavy rain and wind, we want to make sure that kids stay safe on this exciting day. So, hold on to your hats and walk carefully with an adult."
While the weather may have thrown a wrench into Halloween plans, communities are adapting to ensure that the spirit of the holiday remains intact, whether through rescheduling or offering alternative celebrations.
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