Halloween is shaping up to be a spooktacular occasion for folks of all ages in the Royal City.

In addition to the many New Westminster homes that are decorated for Halloween, a variety of activities are taking place this weekend. Here's a few you may want to check out.

HAUNTED HALLOWEEN HALL

The 8,000-square foot banquet hall and events centre at 759 Carnarvon St. is hosting a spooktacular event on Sunday, Oct. 31 from 2 to 10 p.m. Folks of all ages are invited to visited the Haunted Hall, which will include cobwebs, ghosts and goblins, spooky sounds, a bouncy castle and tricks and treats for the kids. Scary movies will be shown on a big screen later in the evening.

"With its rich heritage, charming character and community spirit, New Westminster is the perfect city to host a family-friendly Halloween attraction," said Linda Walters, owner of The Metro.

"Haunted Hall has all the makings of an annual celebration that the entire community can embrace, while raising money for local charities."

Entry to the Haunted Hall is by donation in support of the New Westminster Youth Centre and the Lower Mainland Purpose Society for Youth and Families.

Since it opened in February 2009 the Metro has played host to a variety of events including weddings, fundraisers and arts and cultural events. This is the first year for the Haunted Hall.

TRADITION WITH A NEW TWIST

So long Jack Sparrow, hello Queen of Hearts.

A local family is continuing its tradition of decorating its yard to the hilt in honour of Halloween. It all started about 10 years ago when Lois Wager received a set of Halloween lights in the mail from her mother. Over time, they've expanded their display and created different themes to include zombies and Pirates of the Caribbean (in which daughter Jessica dressed as pirate Jack Sparrow).

"This year it is going to be Alice in Wonderland and the Red Queen," Wager said. "She really gets into character. It brings all the kids around."

Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, and the Cheshire Cat have replaced pirates in the family's yard at 232 Third St., where a giant tea party is being set up.

"The Red Queen is taking over the pirate ship," Jessica recently told one inquiring youngster. "That is why we are flying the Red Queen's flag."

The production is a family affair. Jessica, 21, will be dressed as the Mad Hatter, while Emily, 17, will be the Red Queen.

The family has decided to set up a donation box for the donations to cancer research, in honour of the grandmother who got the whole thing started.

"Ten years ago, Grandma mailed a strand of lights and a few Halloween decorations," Wager said in an e-mail to The Record. "Each year we purchased more decorations, and in honour of Grandma we would like to fundraise in hopes of finding a cure for everyone that is battling cancer."

The house, which is already decorated, normally attracts about a thousand trick or treaters on Halloween night.

TEST YOUR CARVING SKILLS

Westminster House is inviting community members to get into the Halloween spirit at its pumpkin-carving contest.

The pumpkin-carving contest, now in its second year, includes awards for best carvings by a team/family, adult, youth and kids. Pumpkins for the carving contest are $10, while small pumpkins for decorating are $1.

Westminster House, a local recovery house for women, is raising funds for its annual Christmas dinner.

"It's going to be a spooky Halloween event. These girls are going crazy with decorating," said Susan Hogarth, development assistant with Westminster House. "There is going to be a spooky room, a touch and feely room. It's a Halloween event."

Westminster House is hoping to turn the Halloween bash into its signature event.

"It's going to be a goopy, fun mess," Hogarth said. "We have spooky music. We are really into this."

All participants who carve a pumpkin will have their names entered into a draw for a Sony PS3. More than $1,000 in prizes will be up for grabs, including a television, gift baskets and gift certificates.

The event also includes a 50/50 draw, a concession stand and a children's colouring contest. It's being held on Saturday, Oct. 30 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Barnabas Church hall at 1010 Fifth Ave.

DRESS UP YOUR DOGS

Royal City residents are invited to show off their four-legged friends in a Petrifying Pooch Parade.

The event is being held at the Quayside off-leash dog park on Saturday, Oct. 30 from 12 to 2 p.m. The free event, which is being hosted by local home-based business Calli Co. Pet Services, includes a pet parade where pet owners can parade their pooch in front of judges. Prizes will be awarded for Best Overall Costume, Most Original Costume and Funniest Costume.

Parade organizer Brigette Mayer said the event is a great opportunity for pet owners to gather, practise doggy socialization skills and have fun.

"I think we should have a minimum of 50 dogs," she said. "I have gotten some great support from the community."

Support has come in the form of items for Halloween doggy bags for all pet participants - and coffee, hot chocolate and treats for their human companions.

"There is nothing funnier than pets in costumes," said Mayer, noting people without pets are welcome to attend. "They can come out and have a good laugh with everyone else."

The Petrifying Pooch Parade takes place at the corner of Rialto Court and the esplanade.

SPOOKY FUN ON ICE AT ARENA

Moody Park Arena is serving up a spooktacular good time at its Haunted Halloween Family Skate.

A family skate with a Halloween theme is taking place on Saturday, Oct. 30 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Regular admission rates apply.

New Westminster's parks, culture and recreation department has a variety of other events planned for Halloween, including a Mad Scientist Halloween Affair (for kids aged two to 10 on Saturday), a Haunted Halloween Happening Party (on Saturday at the Queensborough Community Centre), a Haunted Tour of Irving House (for teens on Friday night), and a Halloween Dance for Grade 9 and 10 students (on Saturday night).

Details are available in the 2010 Halloween brochure at www.nwpr.bc.ca.

TRICK OR TREATING AT SHOPPING MALL

Royal City Centre is once again opening its door to families for Halloween.

Children aged 12 and under who are in costume and accompanied by an adult are invited to trick or treat at participating merchants on Sunday, Oct. 31 from 3 to 4 p.m.

Kids are invited to drop by a free kids craft table from 1 to 4 p.m. and to take their pictures at a Kin's Farm Pumpkin Patch.

Want to set off fireworks?

Planning a Halloween fireworks display?

Visit www.royalcityrecord.com for the rules and regulations surrounding fireworks in the city.

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