By Martin Martinson

Family Halloween fun coming to Western Development Museum

Oct 25, 2018 | 2:00 PM

There is only one place residents of the Battlefords and area can go to see ghosts, ghouls, lions and ladybugs all in one spot. That place is not a haunted zoo; it is the Western Development Museum.

The Western Development Museum (WDM) is hosting its annual Great Pumpkin Masquerade and Family Dance Saturday, Oct. 27.

Cheryl Stewart-Rahm, volunteer and education coordinator with the event said hosting family events is important to museum staff.  

“It’s part of our mandate, it’s part of us being in the community, and you know, it’s a safe, fun environment for families. We’re very fortunate to have a long-standing event like this,” she said.

Coming up on its 25th anniversary, the Great Pumpkin Masquerade and family dance usually draws about 600 people a year.

Public Advisory

Grass fire causing visibility issues on Mosquito First Nation near Highway 4

7h ago

Election

Three quarters of Canadians say misinformation affected the federal election: poll

8h ago

Family Legacy

'It was a dream come true': Martin Smith cherishes time as North Stars head coach

May 02, 2025

When asked about the consistently large turnout, Stewart-Rahm said she’s grateful for all the support from the community.

“It really has been great,” she said. “[We] can’t complain about our attendance and everyone really just seems to be very happy and they really like the event, so we can’t ask for much more.”

She mentioned how exciting it is to see the community embrace the event.  

“All of our visitors dress up, like all of the families,” she said. “They get right into it. Very, very rarely do you see someone who’s not dressed up in a Halloween costume, which is of course, great to see.”

Through several games, attendees will have the chance to earn museum currency, or WDM bucks as they’re called throughout the night with the faux dollars designed to go toward a variety of prizes and concession.  

Adding to the atmosphere of the evening, the concession will feature Halloween-themed items for sale.

There will also be a haunted house that participants are invited to brave, for a small fee. 

Adding to the visual display and Halloween vibe, there will be a pumpkin gallery made up of carved masterpieces crafted the night before at the WDM’s Pumpkin Carving Class. Those attending will have the chance to vote for the top pumpkin work, with the winner also taking home a prize.

In addition to the fun and games, there will also be prizes awarded as part of the costume contests held at the top of the hour throughout the evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information on the Masquerade and Family Dance, or the pumpkin carving night, residents can contact the museum.

Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1