**** This is a Kootenay Boundary project, but there is no drop-down for Kootenay Boundary***
Mill Road Trick or Treat in Grand Forks, BC, has been entertaining Boundary area residents with spooky Halloween displays since 2014. Each year, the display gets progressively larger as we create new and original props, scenes, music and sound effects. We applied for a Neighbourhood Small Grant to help us offset the costs of materials to make the props. We also received funds to help with costs involved in creating an advertising trailer which played at the Gem Theatre in Grand Forks.
This year, we expanded the graveyard and added a crypt scene: two larger-than-life deer-headed keepers of the crypt, hand-made tombstones, obelisks and an entry gate guarded by a cow-headed shaman. To top off the eerie feel of a graveyard, we used black lights and a fog machine. Original creepy atmospheric music played while visitors explored.
Other scenes included a witch’s area, an alien landing zone with a dissection table, an enormous spider, a larger-than-life wasp attack zone, Zombie Bay with sound effects, and a Saw escape room scene. These areas are added yearly in order to make the display feel like a new experience. We typically start in January to brainstorm, plan and create new creatures.
The display was set up for people to visit on October 29, 30 and 31. This was our busiest year, with close to 400 people coming by on Halloween night alone. We enjoy giving children, adults, and families an alternate event on Halloween that engages both the young and the young at heart. This display keeps us busy all year long, and it’s definitely a passion project. We are very grateful to everyone who helped us set up and we felt strongly supported by our community.
Thank you to the Phoenix Foundation for generous support with the Neighbourhood Small Grant.
