Happy first weekend of autumn! The leaves are turning, everything is pumpkin-spiced, and there are some really great seasonal activities on the horizon. Enjoy theatre, markets, films, and many more activities in Vancouver his weekend:
The Surrey Christmas Bureau is looking for a new space out of which to operate this season, and is sending out an appeal to any landlord, property manager, or building owner who may be able to help.
Surrey Christmas Bureau Needs a Space
Each year the Bureau searches for the donation of an open-plan warehouse space of 10,000 – 12,000 square feet to use for a two to three month period. Previously they have seasonally occupied the old Stardust building near Central City, as well as the old Safeway, however neither are options this year.
“This year the search is proving challenging as development in Surrey is moving at a rapid pace.” said Executive Director Lisa Werring. “We need approximately 10,000 square feet, ample parking, a location near transit, a loading bay and did I mention, free! In other words, we need an early Christmas miracle.”
The Surrey Christmas Bureau is the largest Christmas charity in BC, distributing new toys and gift cards for groceries to approximately 2,000 low-income families in Surrey.
“We are very appreciative of the way property owners have stepped forward to help us every year with a location for our Toy Depot,” adds Board President Bonnie Burnside. “Having a home to stock the shelves with toys, as well as our volunteer elves who make the Christmas Season happen for many families, is key to the work we do.” she said. “If you have the space, consider helping us and you too can be part of the magic.”
Online registration for the Adopt-a-Family program is due to begin sometime in mid-October, but a space must be found first. If you are able to assist, call (604) 581-9623.
Update: November 12, 2022 After learning about the Christmas Bureau’s need for a space, Mayor Brenda Locke and officials at Fraser Health stepped up to help. The Christmas Bureau will be sharing warehouse space with Fraser Health in the former Safeway at 10355 King George Blvd for the 2022 season.
About the Surrey Christmas Bureau
The Surrey Christmas Bureau has been operating in the community in one form or another for over 45 years, but was formally organized into a non-profit organization in 1999. The Christmas Bureau’s mission is to provide toys and holiday meals to Surrey families that otherwise couldn’t afford Christmas presents for their children. In 2021, the Surrey Christmas Bureau issued almost $190,000 in grocery vouchers, which translates to 21,102 holiday meals and provided new toys to 4,520 children.
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by Rebecca BollwittDisclosure: Sponsored Post — Sponsored by Burnaby Village Museum Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.
This October Burnaby Village Museum will once again transform into a magical world bathed in breathtaking colour with Eerie Illusions. This popular Halloween event will captivate visitors with new displays, costumed staff, live performances and surprises hidden in the shadows.
Burnaby Village Museum Photo
Eerie Illusions at Burnaby Village
Where: Burnaby Village Museum (6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby)
When: October 20 to 30, 2022 from 5:30pm to 10:30pm daily (closed October 24)
Adults $10; Children $5 (2-12 years); Free for children under 2 years
Note: The carousel will not be open during this special event series
This self-guided family friendly Halloween experience is suitable for all ages. Visitors are encouraged to come in costume and explore everything the 10 acre open air museum site has to offer. Food trucks will also be available with offerings from Green Coast Coffee, Reel Mac and Cheese and Cravings Kettle Corn.
Utilizing state-of-the-art lighting, projections, soundscapes and special effects, Eerie Illusions will thrill and amaze. Last year the event sold out so make sure you book your tickets as soon as possible. Follow Burnaby Village Museum on Facebook for more information about this event and more seasonal activities.
Miss604 is a proud media partner of Eerie Illusions
Maan Farms, creators of the Scariest Corn Maze in Canada, is amping up their Halloween offerings this season by offering four Haunted experiences for visitors: Homestead, The Way Down, Slaughterhouse, and Midway.
Haunted at Maan Farms This Halloween
When: September 24 to October 31, 2022
Where: Maan Farms (790 McKenzie Rd, Abbotsford)
Admission:Purchase online from $45-$120 based on your experience. Three options are available for Haunted: 1. Slaughterhouse, The Way Down and Midway; 2. Homestead and Midway; Homestead is limited to 30% capacity for a small-group experience; 3. Combination ticket for all four of the attractions.
A few more details about the four experiences this year:
Homestead invites house guests to be the star of their own horror movie. Greeted by the ‘hospitable’ homeowners of a decrepit Airbnb, torturous treatment awaits. This immersive, limited-entry haunt is a full-contact experience where guests will experience an enhanced, highly-detailed, and elevated horror attraction that will leave them begging to check out.
The Way Down takes guests through the passage of hell, assaulting their senses and testing their psychological limits. This haunt requires guests to wear fabric hoods and follow a rope while experiencing unique multidimensional themes, such as feeling the underworld’s fiery wrath.
The iconic ‘Scariest Corn Maze in Canada’ returns with a blood-soaked Slaughterhouse theme. This self-guided haunt will have guests running for their lives as chainsaws roar and the flesh-eating pigs are unleashed to feast upon those who fall behind.
Midway Street Theatre is a place to fuel up and unwind in between the experiences. Circus lights illuminate the sky while live actors, skilled in the arts of fire, improvisation and entertainment, fill the space with laughter and music.
Maan Farms Pumpkin Ice Cream – Photo submitted
Known for their creative food offerings (really, you need to follow their Instagram Reels), Maan Farms will be serving up crafty culinary creations throughout the farm. There’s wine-filled ‘blood’ bags at the Blood Bar, new Naan Tacos, Mad Jack Pumpkin Spice wine, and Creepy Cloud Cocktails available. Favourites are back including the Double Pumpkin SpiceCream, field-to-plate pumpkin pie, Pumpkin Spice Mini Donuts, and Mama Maan’s legendary butter chicken bowls, samosas, and chai tea.
For more information about Haunted and more info about fall at the farm, visit Maan Farms on Instagram.
Visit Haunted Sea, the annual Halloween installation at the historic Gulf of Georgia Cannery in Steveston this October. Explore the darkest depths of the ocean and uncover what is haunting it as you walk amongst colourful creatures and aquatic displays made from upcycled materials.
Halloween at Gulf of Georgia Cannery
When: October 15 to 31, 2022 10:00am to 5:00pm daily
While you’re there for Haunted Sea, you can also check out: Stories of the people who worked in the canneries along Canada’s west coast from the late 1800s to early 1900s, and learn about the history of the salmon canning process; learn about the Pacific Herring, the “fish that feeds the coast”, and how this important west coast resource led to the transformation of the Cannery into a Herring Reduction Plant; and explore the development of fishing technology on Canada’s West Coast. Discover how fishing methods have changed over time, and how the technology has affected the sustainability of our seafood resources and marine environment.
There’s also Waves of Innovation, a feature on the stories of innovation in the West Coast commercial fishing industry and the effects on their communities. The cause and effect of changes in energy, preservation, and fishing methods, and their impacts on people’s lives are explored throughout this interactive exhibit.
The Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society also cares for over 7,500 artifacts in two collections: one belonging to Parks Canada, and the other to the Society. In addition to these objects, there is a library and an archive of historic documents, images, sound recordings, and reference books.
