MOOSE JAW — Young ghouls and goblins are invited to the Town ‘N’ Country Mall to celebrate Halloween this year in a safe, warm, indoor space that will be set up to accommodate a large influx of trick-or-treaters.
The mall’s Spooktacular Trick-or-Treat event will take place with mini games and activities from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and a mall-wide trick-or-treat excursion will then run from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31.
“There’s events for all ages, and we’re trying to start a little bit earlier in the day for the younger ones,” announced Jennilee Novak, the mall’s assistant property manager.
The Town ‘N’ Country Mall has been a popular hangout spot with a heyday during the '80s and '90s. It continues to serve as Moose Jaw’s primary mall despite a recent trend toward plaza-type developments including the adjacent Civic Centre Plaza.
On Jan. 12, the mall’s ownership was transferred to the Pioneer Thinking Capital Corporation. The new owners have invested time and energy into revitalizing the venue with plans to return the mall to the space it once used to be and initiatives such as this are part of that campaign.
Novak said the mall’s participating retailers — of which 25 out of 31 stores have indicated that they will be trick-or-treating — are going to be handing out Halloween candy and each participant will clearly denote their inclusion with balloons outside their storefront.
“We’ve always had a really good number of participants,” Novak said. “Of course, the ministry (of social services) may not be participating because they have security doors… but pretty much everyone will be participating.”
In past years, Novak said the mall has seen upwards of 1,000 kids attending the trick-or-treat event.
The day will include a lineup of fun Halloween activities hosted by the Moose Jaw Girl Guides and the Monkey Bars Indoor Playcentre. To continue his traditional, seasonally themed photoshoot, Rob Hoskins, owner of Rob Hoskins Photography and the Comic Book Guy Pop Culture Shop will be doing free family Halloween pictures with a new Halloween backdrop that he’s added for the occasion.
As well, the mall’s Shock House — which has returned after a several-year absence — is now open and will continue to run on Oct. 24, 25, 26, 27, 30, and for one last day on Oct. 31. Admission for the haunted house feature is $25 per person or $35 for a speed pass and is payable in cash at the door.
The mall’s other Halloween activities remain free to attend including the trick-or-treat event.
“We’re excited for another great turnout this year,” Novak concluded, wishing everyone a safe and happy Halloween.
For more information about upcoming activities at the mall, visit TownNCountryMJ.com or ‘Town N Country Mall’ on Facebook. If you have any questions, the mall’s administration can be reached at 306-693-1711.
The Town ‘N’ Country Mall is located at 1235 Main Street North.
