Calgary Halloween tradition adapts to COVID-19
Posted Oct 26, 2020 11:28 am.
Last Updated Oct 26, 2020 11:30 am.
CALGARY (CityNews) – It may have been cold over the weekend, but it didn’t stop people from lining up at Stampede park for a good scare.
The area transformed into a spooky haunt for the annual Screamfest and event co-organizer Mike Shepard said he was afraid might not happen.
“People want to get out they want to have fun. Sadly, with the pandemic, there aren’t a lot of options.”
However, Shepard said they’ve been working with Alberta Health Services (AHS) the last few months to ensure COVID-19 measures were in place.
“When they can’t physical distance, they have masks. Even outdoors they wear a mask.”
Inside the attraction, organizers removed the main stage and Shepard said the aisles are wider to allow people to check out the vendors and enjoy the games.
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“We’ve got physical distancing signs. We’ve got COVID ambassadors–their only job is to make sure people are staying apart, moving, not standing still.”
Jaelyn is an actor who has worked at Screamfest for six years and is grateful to be back.
“We honestly didn’t know if we were going to be open this year so for all of us it’s great to be open again.”
The event has been around for 20 years and in the past has seen up to 5,000 people in one night.
Shepard said it’s a fraction of that this year but he’s just happy to open the doors.
“Never in my life did I imagine it would look like this. We have been lucky enough to put together this event that will allow people to get out and enjoy the day.
