Some Maritime communities reschedule Halloween due to frightful forecast

Incoming rain and strong winds have postponed Halloween celebrations in some Maritime areas.

With wet and windy weather in the Halloween forecast, some Maritime communities have decided to reschedule trick-or-treating to keep their little ghosts and goblins warm and dry this year.

CTV News Atlantic’s chief meteorologist Kalin Mitchell says rain and gusty winds will develop quickly across the Maritimes Friday morning and evening.

“There are likely to be some downpours within the rain,” said Mitchell. “By early Friday evening, say 5 p.m., there is a good chance that the heaviest of the rain will be clear of all but a few parts of the Maritimes.”

However, Mitchell says northern New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and eastern Nova Scotia will most likely experience steady or heavy rainfall during the typical trick-or-treating hours Friday evening.

“Keep in mind that even areas that are clear of the heavy rain will have some patchy drizzle and gusty winds,” said Mitchell.

Halloween moved to Thursday in some N.S. communities

With the frightful forecast in mind, the Cape Breton communities of Eskasoni, Membertou and Louisdale decided to move Halloween to Thursday evening.

Eskasoni First Nation Chief Leroy Denny said the decision was made due to safety concerns.

“The forecast wasn’t looking too promising and it actually got worse,” Denny told CTV News Atlantic. “Families, toddlers that go around with their parents, and we have a lot of kids who are autistic, neurodivergent.”

The Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) and Victoria County both say trick-or-treating will go ahead Friday evening. CBRM says Cape Breton Regional Police makes the final decision when it comes to Halloween safety.

“Unfortunately, some days you have to make hard decisions,” said Cyril MacDonald, a North Sydney, N.S., parent and a former CBRM councillor. “This is a decision that CBRM has made.”

MacDonald says he would have preferred to have Halloween on Thursday, but he plans to take his two children out on Friday, no matter the weather.

“It’s beautiful out today. Maybe Saturday would have been a nicer day, but at the end of the day, it is what it is, I guess,” said MacDonald.

The Halifax Regional Municipality also says trick-or-treating will go ahead on Friday.

Some Nova Scotia fire halls, legions and community centres, including the Marion Bridge Community Hall and Branch 78 Legion in Dominion, will offer indoor trick-or-treating Friday night.

Kim Masland, Nova Scotia’s minister of Emergency Management, is urging families to use caution as wet and windy conditions may result in poor visibility and slippery sidewalks.

“We know how much kids look forward to dressing up and collecting treats. With heavy rain and wind, we want to make sure that kids stay safe on this exciting day. So, hold on to your hats and walk carefully with an adult,” said Masland in a news release.

“The candy will taste all the sweeter when everyone is safe. Whether you’re trick-or-treating outside or celebrating indoors, I hope everyone has a fun and safe Halloween.”

Some P.E.I. communities celebrating on Saturday

While some trick-or-treaters in Cape Breton will be celebrating Halloween early, many on P.E.I. will have to wait until Saturday to go door-to-door.

Charlottetown, Cornwall, Stratford and Summerside have all postponed trick-or-treating until Saturday evening, citing the heavy rain and strong winds in the forecast.

“The safety of children and families participating in Halloween activities remains the City’s top priority,” said the City of Summerside in a statement. “The City appreciates the understanding and cooperation of residents as this adjustment is made to help ensure a safe and enjoyable evening for everyone.”

An 8 p.m. curfew will also be in effect in those P.E.I. communities.

Bathurst pushes Halloween to Saturday

Trick-or-treating has also been pushed to Saturday in Bathurst, N.B.

“This decision was made with the safety and comfort of our children, families, and community in mind,” said the city in a statement. “Rescheduling ensures that everyone can enjoy trick-or-treating under safer and more pleasant conditions.”

Halloween will still be celebrated on Friday in the Moncton, Fredericton and Saint John areas.

For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.