Thanks to the organizer and businesses along Innisfil Beach Road, children have the opportunity to gather twice as many treats this Halloween.
The Spooktacular Trick or Treat event takes place on Oct. 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Children are invited to dress up in their Halloween costumes and trick-or-treat with their families at businesses donning a Spooktacular participant’s sign. Up to 500 children have participated in previous years.
Organizer and co-owner of Johnny Burger, Monique Siozou, reminds participating businesses that they are responsible for providing Halloween treats. She asks that families trick-or-treat only at participating businesses, which will be listed on johnnyburger.ca. A list of participating businesses will be available at the restaurant (847 Innisfil Beach Rd.) on the day of the event. Businesses can register to participate for free until this Sunday (Oct. 20).
“Spooktacular is a daytime trick-or-treating event offered by businesses. This allows families to rest assured that the treats are safe and not compromised,” Siozou said. “Some businesses even offer special promotions and/or giveaways that day.”
Businesses that do not have a brick-and-mortar location are invited to set up in front of Johnny Burger to hand out candy on Oct. 26.
Up to 50 businesses can be accommodated, but they too must register in advance.
Originally organized by the Town of Innisfil in 2016, local business owners like Siozou kept Spooktacular going throughout the years. Johnny Burger has been involved in organizing the annual event since 2019.
“I love organizing Spooktacular every year because it unifies the local businesses and truly brings that small-town feeling to this fast-growing community,” Siozou said.
Unlike previous years, there will be no costume contest, but children are invited to take a Halloween photo with a spooky background — imposed via green screen — courtesy of the Lakeshore branch of the Innisfil ideaLAB and Library (967 Innisfil Beach Rd.).
“When visiting local businesses, parking may be limited so please utilize street parking,” Siozou said. “Also, there will be an increase in pedestrian traffic, (so) please be mindful when driving.”
Businesses interested in registering to participate in this free event can do so via the Google form here.
