On a Halloween night like no other in history, Dawn and Josh Misch and their six kids packed into their truck on a mission to gather some sweet treats.
There was a long line of vehicles ahead of them by the time they got to Second Cup in Parkwood Mall for the first of 10 stops on the Candy Cruise, but the volunteers handing out chocolate bars and gummy bears using long sticks and cups to direct contact were ready for them and the kids were loving it.
They were staying warm and dry and their bags were filling up rapidly, and that’s what Halloween is all about.
“This is better than walking around the neighbourhood, you’re not going to a house where you knock at the door and there’s no candy,” said 13-year-old Ashlee Misch.
Dawn Misch was behind the wheel of the truck and she appreciated what volunteers from the community have done to ease the concerns of parents worried about their kids coming into contact with COVID while on the hunt for Halloween apples.
“It’s really amazing, we’re pretty impressed with it so far,” said Dawn, who, along with her husband adopted a family of six siblings who range in age from three to 13. “The kids are pretty amazed, I think they love the fire truck and the jungle setup was pretty cool too. We were considering (going door-to-door in their neighbourhood) but we thought we’d check this out and it seems like a big hit.”
Each of the 10 stops in parking lots on the cruise had between four and six local businesses or agencies that set up stations staffed by costume-clad volunteers.
“We’re just here to hand out candy and create a safe environment,” said Candy Cruise site commander Johanna Koornneef, of St. Giles Presbyterian Church. “There have been some asks about college kids coming out (to collect candy) and stuff but we just want to make sure everybody has a safe Halloween. There’s not supposed to be Halloween parties so if they just want to hop in a vehicle for this, that’s great. It keeps them from partying and keeps them from gathering when they shouldn’t, for sure.
“This is a great option for those who don’t feel comfortable going to other people’s houses. They’re in contact with grandparents or other people and they just and don’t feel safe. We’re already in so many bubbles when you have to go to school and work and Halloween doesn’t need to be one of those.”
There was even an Elvis sighting along the route. Norman Canuel owns Norcan Consulting Ltd. and Tops and Bottoms clothing store and he dressed for the occasion in his Elvis duds and joined staff members in the fun, dropping goodies into the kids’ pillow cases and jack-o-laterns.
“They wouldn’t let me wear my regular clothes,” said Canuel. “It’s a wonderful idea, whoever put it together I think has done an amazing job. It’s a great accomplishment for Prince George. Everybody’s participating and it’s not snowing or raining. The spread of COVID is going crazy and we’re lucky we live in the north where nobody lives. People can do this and our families are healthy and people are safe and children are still have a great time, that’s the important part.”
All the candy that doesn’t get handed out tonight will be given to the St. Vincent de Paul Society for distribution to families unable to take part in the Candy Cruise. The event also served as a fundraiser for organizations that work with kids. Donations were accepted to cover the cost of the candy ads well as insurance, signage, personal protection equipment and other safety materials. Proceeds will be shared among Big Brothers Big Sisters Northern British Columbia, Ness Lake Bible Camp and the Prince George Child Development Centre.
