Halloween events across Ottawa had trick-or-treaters getting excited ahead of evening festivities. At Rideau Hall on Saturday, “Rideau HALLoween” welcomed costumed visitors to the Governor General’s residence for a circus-themed event with acrobats and candy for those with a sweet tooth. “I feel like I’m in Disneyland,” said Destiny Kuchio, who came with her two kids. “It’s amazing to see everybody’s costume and just feel the energy and the joy of the day.” Kuchio says it’s the second time she’s celebrating Halloween after moving to Canada last year. “It’s giving us a chance to show my kids that Halloween isn’t particularly scary or has to be dark and gloomy,” she said. “Seeing all the kids out, all the parents, gives them a chance to make new friends. Just be with our community and enjoy the day.” Officials say hundreds of families came through the doors. Haunted houses fill streets Meanwhile, some spent the day preparing for the night. Seventeen-year-old William Provost was busy setting up his annual Halloween haunted house. Dubbed “The Cremona Cemetery,” it has a number of features, including 15 animatronics to scare willing participants. “I’ve always loved Halloween. I love horror movies,” said Provost. The teenager has been growing his haunted house for a number of years, adding features each year for those who come by his Nepean home, including some he has built alongside his grandfather who lives next door. “It started off as a passion project with me and my grandpa,” he said. “We just started off with some ghosts, and then we obviously started making it bigger and bigger.” “Watching people enjoy what I’ve created with their friends, their families, and just having a good time all together, it’s just a joy to me.”
