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VIDEO: Creepy characters take over Maple Ridge park to Celebrate the Night

Festival celebrated all things in the fall season including Halloween, Diwali, and the Moon Festival

Lions, astronauts, firefighters, skeletons, witches, and Storm Troopers, were some of the odd characters that could be seen wandering through Memorial Peace Park Friday evening for Celebrate the Night.

Hundreds of people packed the park for the fifth annual event that this year included a new Light Up Playground, filled with LED seesaws, swings, and giant jacks, an onsite photo booth , and a Halloween Games Alley featuring a witch bowling game and toss a light hoop.

Fireworks, usually a highlight of the celebration, were cancelled this year because of the ongoing drought conditions.

Nonetheless, people enjoyed themselves for the full two hours, from 6-8 p.m. that the festival took place.

Vancouver funk band Raincity performed two sets for the crowds that packed the park. Unusual creatures also lurked around different areas of the park, including some intricate owls from Candy Bones Theatre and roving circus performers from NZR Productions.

The annual Halloween costume contest took place with prizes for: best costume in different age groups; best group costume; and best overall costume.

Winner for best costume six years and over was Jubilee who was dressed as a witch. Winner for under six years was Kayden who was dressed as a pumpkin. Best costume for 7-12 years was Natalie who was dressed as an anime character. Best group costume was Tara who was dressed as Cruelle de Vil from the Disney animated feature film 101 Dalmations, who was there with her husband and baby who were dressed as dalmation puppies. Best overall costume was a family who dressed as characters from the movie Monsters Inc..

READ MORE: Maple Ridge gearing up to Celebrate the Night

ALSO: Hundreds celebrate the night in Maple Ridge

Cornerstone Supernatural were onsite with their devices that search out the paranormal, and also items and stories about supernatural experiences.

The Secret Lantern Society decorated the park, the bandstand, and 224 Street with lights and lanterns, some of which were created at community workshops held a week prior.

Mind of a Snail, a shadow puppetry duo who specialize in multilayered visual storytelling with handmade projections, hosted an area where people were able to explore and play with shadow and light murals.

There was also be face painting and interactive displays. The Maple Ridge Public Library was also on hand with other fun activities.

The News has contacted the City of Maple Ridge and will add the winners of the costume contest once received


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Colleen Flanagan

About the Author: Colleen Flanagan

I got my start with Black Press Media in 2003 as a photojournalist.
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