Candace Lundrigan, Esplanade cultural public programmer, getting ready for the centre's Eerie Extravaganza on Saturday. (CHAT News photo)

By Alex McCuaig

Esplanade and library

Downtown Halloween fun this Saturday

Oct 30, 2020 | 4:13 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – It’ll be a Halloween to remember with the ghoulish holiday featuring relatively warm weather, falling on a Saturday, a full-moon in the sky and, of course, it’s in the midst of a global pandemic.

But downtown Medicine Hat will feature two events during the day to help Hatters lose themselves in the holiday – at least in a physically distanced way.

The Esplanade’s Eerie Halloween will feature a mad scientist performing on the main stage before participants will be whisked to the Studio Theatre for specially-themed crafting exercises.

“We’re just so excited to have children through our doors again,” said Candace Lundrigan, cultural public programmer at the Esplanade, adding events for families have been extremely limited since COVID-19 hit in March.

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The event is being held in conjunction with Praxis Science Outreach Society who provide demonstrations on how to mix science with scary. Kids will then be given individually wrapped craft bags to create Halloween-inspired decorations.

“We’re encouraging everyone to come in costumes,” said Lundrigan. “And I really want to see what they do with these craft bags because we always leave all of our activities open ended to really see their inspiration and creativity at work.”

The day will be split into three slots allowing up to 40 kids to take part with COVID-19 safety protocols in place at 10 and 11:30 a.m. with the last availability at 1 p.m.

The cost for the event is $12.50 for kids with up to two accompanying parents allowed to attend free of charge. Those interested are being encouraged to book ahead through Tixx.ca. Unpurchased spots can be purchased at the Esplanade box office on Saturday.

Not to be outdone, the Medicine Hat Public Library will be holding its ComicFest Saturday as well from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Gillian Reimer, head of marketing services, says there will be free comics handed out to the first 250 people with a drawing workshop with Lethbridge-based cartoonist Eric Dyck, costume contest with prizes.

But the feature event will be an outdoor scavenger hunt which Reimer is strongly encouraging Hatters to pre-register for before all the 20 slots are taken up. Scavenger hunt teams can consist of up to six people each with a prize for the one which completes the tasks the fastest.

“We also have a really great artist here, her name is Leanne and she has created comic book-style clues so at each business that is participating with us, you’re going to find a clue posted outside their business,” said Reimer.

Those looking to participate in the events will need to contact the library at 403-502-8525.