Trick-or-treating can be challenging for youngsters whose neighbors are more than walking distance away.
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So says Christina Sydorko, educational program coordinator with the Oil Museum of Canada in Oil Springs.
“For a lot of country kids — I grew up like this — you had to get in your car and it was cumbersome,” she said.
“And if you have a young family, you kind of want to do it earlier in the day, (but driving around) takes a long time.”
Enter Cackling Cauldrons.
The trick-or-treating event the museum started before the COVID-19 pandemic, then revived in recent years, is back Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm at the museum grounds.
Student volunteers will hand out candy at the museum’s different buildings, and youngsters also can complete Halloween crafts, Sydorko said.
The event is Saturday, given Oct. 31 falls on a Thursday this year, and is designed for families with younger children but open to all, she said.
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“For those families where maybe Thursday is too busy for their young children, the museum just gives the same experience, but a little bit more condensed and a little bit more controlled,” she said.
Past events have attracted more than 100 people, Sydorko said, noting admission this year is free to Lambton residents, as the County of Lambton celebrates its 175th anniversary, she said.
Sponsorships have helped cover the cost in some years past, she said, noting hopes are to attract sponsors for future events again.
“We’re very excited (and) hoping to have a great turnout this year,” she said.
The museum is also partnering with the Oil Springs, she said, noting the village’s 3 pm to 5 pm children’s Halloween party at the Oil Springs Youth Center features games, goodies, crafts, and a costume contest, with judging beginning at 4 pm
“After you’ve done your trick-or-treating and your crafts here at the museum, you can go over for more Halloween fun down at the village of Oil Springs,” she said.
Sydorko also intends to get into costume for the event.
“We call it cackling cauldrons because we have a giant cauldron,” she said.
“And normally, I’ll be running around like a witch.”
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