[An image of a Jack - O - Lanterns. Photo Credit to Pixabay]

A series of Halloween events and activities is taking place across Abbotsford this week, culminating in the lead-up to October 31. 

The schedule of events includes community trick-or-treating, pumpkin decorating, haunted-attraction nights, and downtown family activities. 

Several municipal and community organizations have also issued safety guidance for residents. 

The Abbotsford Recreation Centre ran a pumpkin decorating program on October 30, with a program at Matsqui Recreation Centre scheduled for October 31. 

Each participant received a pumpkin to decorate, guided by parks, recreation, and culture staff. 

Downtown Abbotsford hosted family-oriented activities, including a treat trail that offered businesses an opportunity to hand out candy and run small activities between early  and late afternoons on event days. 

The downtown programming list included a pumpkin painting drop-in and other community arts events at local venues such as the open space. 

Local farms ran daytime trick-or-treat and family events earlier in October. 

Tourism Abbotsford’s listings and local event calendars included farm-hosted trick-or-treat options and fall attractions. 

Seasonal haunted attractions and trail experiences operated on scheduled nights through late October. 

Terror at Tanglebank Estate listed evening operations through October 30, offering themed trail experiences on Tanglebank Estate.

Other listed attractions in the Fraser Valley and lower mainland also provided extended hours on select dates. 

A number of community fundraising events with Halloween themes also ran during the week. 

Community halls and volunteer groups staged haunted-house fundraisers and similar ticketed events, some organizers reported donation drives or pledged proceeds to local agencies such as the Abbotsford Food Bank. 

Event directors and local listings noted several community-run fundraisers in the city and surrounding areas. 

Municipal and public safety offices have released safety information related to Halloween activities. 

The city of Abbotsford published fire-safety guidance advising residents to use flame-resistant decorations and ensure pathways are clear.

The Abbotsford Police Department and regional policing agencies reiterated recommendations for drivers to reduce speed and for families to use reflective materials and flashlights during peak trick-or-treat hours. 

Local school districts and recreation partners likewise published costume and pedestrian safety tips ahead of October 31. 

Event organizers and the downtown business association posted schedules and drop-in details on their websites and social media channels. 

The downtown Halloween listings specified times and locations for trick-or-treat activities and costume-friendly programming, while the city events directory aggregated seasonal activities, including pumpkin decorating and organized treat trails. 

Residents were directed to official webpages for up-to-date schedules and any weather-related changes. 

Traffic and pedestrian patterns are expected to change on October 31st in neighbourhoods and commercial areas that host trick-or-treating and evening events. 

Road users were reminded to exercise caution in residential areas during peak trick-or-treat hours, and homeowners hosting displays were advised to keep entrances and walkways well-lit and unobstructed. 

Municipal waste crews noted coordinated cleanup plans for the event site following all scheduled activities. 

Residents seeking a full list of Halloween activities, times, and official safety guidance were directed to Tourism Abbotsford, the city of Abbotsford's events page, and downtown Abbotsford event postings for the most current information. 

Organizers encouraged families to verify event times and any registration requirements before attending.