OLDS — Halloween Howl is back on in Uptowne Olds this Saturday, Oct. 30.
As in past years, the event, a promotion for participating businesses, will have a Harry Potter theme.
Last year it was rather limited, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Uptowne Olds president April Jemieff said during an interview.
“I think most of it was just candy sitting outside of stores, because we were in even more lockdown last year,” she said.
However, this year, participating merchants are open for business but will be following Alberta Heath Services (AHS) guidelines for staff and customers.
“We’re following all the AHS rules that are required, so everybody has to wear a face mask,” she said.
“All of those rules that we’re following right now will be followed in those stores. So nothing’s going to change in that regard.”
Following is a list of many of the activities and attractions planned for that day.
People will be able to go trick or treating in the area from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. As in past years, participating businesses will have black and orange balloons outside their establishments.
Torrock Towing will be hosting a haunted house from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Boomer Movers will be operating a Freaky Foto Booth.
Cocoa Tree will be offering sorting hat cupcakes, butter beer and unicorn tears.
Olds Town Square have a Lillies & Moonbeams pop-up shop.
From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., the Mountain View Museum & Archives will offer a scary museum tour and magic wand making. Treats will be available and there’ll be an opportunity to participate in a sidewalk chalk art contest.
Frayed Knot will be holding a Rope A Pumpkin and Best Dressed Family contest as well as a creepy western photo booth.
A Gallery of Floors will have a Halloween goodie basket and door prize.
You’ll be able to get your photo taken at the Harry Potter cut-outs in Suzanne and Jenny’s.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., there’ll be a hot chocolate and coffee give-away at the O-NET booth in front of Tasty Thai.
Jensen’s Men’s Wear will be offering Hogwarts Houses door prizes.
From 12 noon until 4 p.m., treats will be available at the Leaky Cauldron (RIPS Audio Video).
Spooky potions and drinks as well as spine chilling games will be available at Pandora’s Boox & Tea.
From 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., the Olds Fire Department will be conducting a fundraiser for Olds minor hockey known as “the bucket ride puck drop of doom” in the parking lot behind Sim’s Furniture.
Check out pumpkin carving which will be underway at the Olds Grizzlys hockey club's Grizz Den from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
From 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., the Olds Municipal Library will offer a chance to do Halloween crafts and activities, as well as get treats and possibly win a door prize.
The Boys and Girls Club of Olds and Area will be hosting a couple of drive-in movies at the Olds Regional Exhibition. The family-friendly Addams Family will be shown at 4 p.m. and Halloween, described as more for teens and adults, will be shown at 7:30 p.m.
In the evening, the Blue Yak will be offering drink specials as well as cash prizes for costume contest winners.