The Fort La Reine Museum celebrated another successful Halloween season with its annual "Fright at the Museum" event, drawing a crowd that matched previous years' attendance while showcasing a remarkable increase in community involvement.
Emma Ens-MacIvor, the museum's director, highlighted the event's success during a recent interview.
"We had a pretty good turnout, on par with other years," she said, praising the participants for their creativity in decorating their spaces. Notable contributors included local organizations like Co-op, Sirius Protection Services, and the Manitoba Agricultural Museum, all of which enhanced the spooky atmosphere with themed decorations and engaging activities.
The event featured various attractions, including tarot readings by Amber from Celestial Studios, children's activities led by Styled With Meraki, and live music from local band $2 Bill and His Bad Pennies, who have become a favourite over the years Gotta Have that Lemonade served refreshments, contributing to a festive community vibe.
Ens-MacIvor expressed gratitude for the support of local sponsors, including the RM of Portage la Prairie, which provided candy for the event, and Portage Night Watch, which handled parking and security.
"It's always a community effort," she noted, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that has made the event successful each year.
The weather also played a crucial role in this year's turnout. Unlike previous years, this season's mild conditions encouraged families to attend, particularly during the designated family hours leading into the fright hours.
"It was the perfect time to come out," Ens-MacIvor explained, adding that the addition of a corn maze further elevated the experience.
Looking ahead, Ens-MacIvor is already considering future programming, including more ghost tours, which have gained popularity among visitors. The museum had previously run ghost tours that were well-received, and she hopes to build on that success in the coming years.
The museum also has a reputation for being haunted, with numerous accounts of paranormal experiences shared by staff and visitors alike. MacIvor recounted a peculiar incident during a staff meeting when all members heard a voice saying "hello" from the front desk, despite the museum being closed to the public. Such stories have intrigued many, and the museum plans to continue exploring its haunted history.
Ens-MacIvor expressed heartfelt thanks to the community, volunteers, and attendees, without whom the event could not thrive.
"I can't do this alone," she emphasized, reflecting on the collaborative efforts that make "Fright at the Museum" a beloved Halloween tradition for many in Portage la Prairie.