On a chilly Friday evening in the heart of St. Davids, a parade of strange characters filled the barrel cellar of the Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery for a night of ghouls, goblins and frights — and a little viticulture.
This was the Ravine Vineyard’s Halloween Gala, one event in a night filled with celebrations of the spooky season across Niagara-on-the-Lake.
The cellar was dimly lit by candles that flickered against the stone walls and wooden casks lining the walls. Guests in elaborate costumes sipped glasses of Ravine’s cabernet franc and pinot noir before the main course arrived.
A sixth-generation spirit medium, Vanessa Hearst, made her way around the table offering guests short readings. The conversation in the cellar was light and cheerful as people enjoyed the ambience.
For Kathy and Mark Sloggett, dressed as a pair of scarecrows, their reasons for being there were simple, really.
“We like wine, and we like Halloween,” said Kathy.
The event, which housed 40 guests, sold out well in advance of Friday’s party.
A frightfully good time like this doesn’t come together easily, though.
Michelle Rocheleau was one of the attendees who helped decorate the barrel cellar for the night.
The long wooden table stretched down the centre of the barrel cellar, set with rows of wine glasses, white plates and black napkins. The ceiling draped with black hanging curtains and decorated with little hanging witch hats.
It was a big job to prepare, but worth it for the uniquely spooky experience adults can enjoy, she said.
“It’s super nice to just get out,” she said. “Nobody goes out anymore, and it’s such a fun night to dress up.”
Every corner of town offered a way for all ages to celebrate the season.
A short drive away, the St. Davids Firehall offered an atmosphere for Halloween’s younger fans to enjoy.
Toddlers in costumes swarmed the building, from tiny mushrooms and princesses to superheroes and pirates. The firehall’s truck bays were filled with hay bales, giant skeletons and Halloween decorations, with classic Halloween music like “Monster Mash” played as families moved between the dance floor and food tables.
Children competed in age groups from under two to teenagers in costume competitions.
Local firefighters, normally responsible for saving the day, here were tasked with judging which of the competitors brought their A-game, costume-wise.
The winning prize? A goodie bag filled with candy for each victor.
Dozens of children attended, and food was also provided, with volunteers serving hot dogs and French fries throughout the evening.
“It’s so great for the kids,” said Erin Meyer, whose seven-year-old joined the contest dressed as a pirate.
“It gives them a safe, fun place to be on Halloween night. And maybe some extra treats, too.”
At the Legion on King Street, costumed locals took to the microphone for “Scary-oke,” a Halloween twist on the Legion’s regular karaoke nights that gave everyone a chance to perform in costume.
About two dozen people filled the room, some fully dressed for the occasion while others watched from the back. A few joined Sue and Al Perrault on the dance floor as they sang “Come and Get Your Love” by Redbone, while others sipped drinks at tables covered with Halloween-themed cloths.
“It’s good fun,” said attendee Rona Bloodhill. “There aren’t too many chances to dress up anymore, so it gives everyone a reason to come out.”
Regardless of how these NOTLers and visitors chose to spend the evening, whether it was at a party or out in the streets, collecting as much candy as could fill inside a pumpkin basket or pillow case, the town of NOTL was a place where the spirits never rest.
andrew@niagaranow.com
