by Karina Hunter

OPP Sergeant Gord Ewald drove around town giving out candy

Halloween is yet another occasion that we are reminded of how very special it is to grow up in Manitouwadge and like most parents in town, I was out with my 4 year old daughter, Emeraude, to enjoy the fun.  Saturday’s mild weather had  Trick or Treaters of every age out visiting their family, friends and

The parents of these twins (on each side) watched from the curb as their twins trick or treated; my 'kitty' decided our door was as good as any other to get candy from

There were so many very original costumes and not just on the kids, more than a few of the doors we knocked on opened to reveal grown ups in disguise which had Emeraude who was disguised as a “kitty” absolutely tickled.  As we traveled our street she admired the pumpkins, ghosts and skeletons which decorated many of the houses in town; taking it all in Emeraude suggested which ones we should have next year.  We returned home half way through our adventures to answer our own door for a while; giving the candy away seemed to impress Emeraude just as much as receiving it.  Back out to cotinue, the it was beginning to get dark; we made our way up the street as an OPP Suburban pulled over ahead of us; Sergeant Gord Ewald approached, and Emeraude was thrilled that he too had handfuls of candy to share; where else but Manitouwadge? As the Sergeant returned to his vehicle Emeraude commented that “Police officers in Manitouwadge a just candy crazy!” 

Who knew there was a friendly witch on the street?

We finished our canvassing quite late, after driving to visit family and a few special friends whom Emeraude insisted had to see her in costume. Of all the fun we had it was returning home that held the most special reminder of how great it is to raise kids in Manitouwadge. I unfolded a blanket on the living room floor and Emeraude dumped each of her bags out, ready for sorting with her big brother, and I was so thankful that having accompanied her (and recognizing each of the doors on which she had knocked as that of a safe 

neighbour – people I knew on some level even if just briefly) I could let the innocence of it all continue for her without any pause to inspect the candy as had been needed when her brother was young and we lived in the city. No worries of tampered goods I just sat back and watched as the kids dug in, eating too much junk before bed and the end of a perfect night – Where else but Manitouwadge could Halloween be so safe, fun and innocent?  neighbours collecting goodies. The Manitouwadge Volunteer Firefighters drove through town, honking their horn to kick off the fun as they walked up and down the street, along side the shiny red Rescue Five, kids ran to them to claim their share of the goodies. My little one, not too sure about the sirens at first, was quite relieved to be at our neighbour, Councilor Gord MacDonald’s, doorstep where she felt much safer inviting herself into the house.  Her fears were quelled as Carol Barnes, in her husband’s full firefighting gear, approached with hands full of candy.  

Carol Barnes was one of several dressed up in firefighting gear to walk along as Rescue Five drove through the streets honking its horn to kick off the night.

Submitted to The Echo, 11.01.09