Trick or Treat for Everyone
The first annual Glebe Halloween Village, providing accessible Halloween trick-or-treating for kids with accessibility challenges, took place October 26 on Glebe Avenue.
Photos: Shauna Pollock, and Naoko and Marika Kors
Trick or treat for everyone
A day of fun at the Glebe Halloween Village
By Shauna Pollock
It’s such a simple idea – creating an inclusive Halloween celebration for those who might miss out on traditional trick-or-treating due to accessibility challenges. This thought, raised by the national organization Treat Accessibly and shared by Eliot Newton in a neighbourhood Facebook group, resonated deeply within the community, highlighting a need many had overlooked.
I eagerly connected with Eliot, who shared my passion for Halloween (it’s truly the most magical time of the year!) We began a head-spinning journey of putting on an event that could bring joy to families who often felt excluded from the festivities – the Glebe Halloween Village, an accessible, daytime, trick-or-treating event that brought together more than 700 guests and 100 Glebe neighbours on a beautiful fall day.
Watching my four-year old son Marty perform a “site survey” of our block with Christina Anderson in her wheelchair, as they discussed the various hazards that leaves, gravel and a lack of curb cuts could cause for those with mobility issues and mobility aids, is a memory I won’t soon forget.
The first Glebe Halloween Village came to life on Saturday, October 26, thanks to the 18 households on Glebe Avenue who hosted trick-or-treat stations at the ends of their driveways, while five other households loaned their driveways for special activities. Zoom Photobooths provided a free photo booth. Child in Mind Psychological Services hosted a make-and-take craft station. Flow Recreation Therapy helped participants regulate themselves through sensory activities and innovative materials. Kai’s Sensory Kreations invited guests to explore sensory bins. And local Fire Station 12 added magic to the day, surprising everyone by bringing two fire engines with lights flashing.
Themed characters added more joy. Jenny Mehan organized the Capital City Garrison to send friendly stormtroopers, and even R2-D2 made a surprise appearance. The League of Superheroes delighted guests with appearances from Miles Morales, Ghost Spider, Jack Skellington and Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas. Many neighbours added to the “streetmosphere” with costumes and treats.
Families expressed gratitude for the event’s accessibility and thoughtful planning. “This event provided a safe, accessible environment for my toddler to enjoy Halloween! Her disability makes it hard for her to climb stairs and navigate in the dark,” shared one parent. Another remarked, “My sensitive kid was in heaven – he zipped from table to table at lightning speed, and he was obsessed with R2-D2.”
The inclusive atmosphere resonated deeply with many. Parents noted how special it was for their children to feel included in a community event without the usual Halloween pressures.
An event like this wouldn’t be possible without the generosity and support of local businesses and community members. Nick of Time Realty and Magnolia Construction stepped in as “Ghoulish Gold” sponsors while Shoppers Drug Mart provided accessibility ramps along the sidewalk and hosted a treat station and first-aid post. Tim Hortons, Starbucks, Cedars Grocery, Pizza Pizza, Artery Coffee and local neighbours generously donated refreshments to keep over 100 volunteers fueled for three hours.
The event grew so much that more support had to be called in – St. Matthew’s Church and GNAG each lent 11 tables, allowing neighbours, a dozen Glebe Collegiate students and businesses to set up additional treat stations. With accessible toilets and street barriers from Purple Potties, support from Happy Goat (the first business donor) and contributions from Pika Layers, Capital Home Hardware, Knifewear, Songui Fitness, McKeen Metro, Unifor 567 and countless neighbours, Glebe Halloween Village truly became a community-wide effort.
“Seeing people who don’t normally get to enjoy events due to lack of accessibility having essentially the time of their lives was absolutely magical,” said one volunteer.
In response to the parent who asked, “Please, please do this again next year!” our answer is a resounding yes!
The Glebe Halloween Village’s success shows that an accessible event can be both joyful and memorable. The event fostered an inclusive spirit, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who attended. The enthusiasm and commitment displayed this year laid the foundation, ensuring that the Glebe Halloween Village will remain a cherished tradition for years to come.
If you want to get involved, feel free to message us at glebehalloweenvillage@gmail.com
Shauna Pollock is a Glebe resident who took a lead in organizing the first accessible trick-or-treating event in the Glebe.
