With Halloween just days away, there’s no shortage of opportunities for the Brock University community to enjoy responsibly spooky season festivities.

Hosted by the University, Brock University Students’ Union and Graduate Students’ Association, this year’s events are meant to encourage a fun and safe Halloween for everyone on campus and throughout the broader community.

Offerings range from costume contests and film screenings to candy collecting and crafting. Educational campaigns focusing on appropriate costumes, healthy relationships and responsible drinking and substance use are also planned for this week.

The University’s popular Trick or Eat event, which will see students going door to door in local neighbourhoods collecting food donations for Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold, will also return on Friday, Oct. 31. The annual tradition gives students a chance to tap into the nostalgia of dressing up and trick-or-treating while making a difference in their community.

“The Trick or Eat volunteer event is a great way for students to give back to the Niagara community while celebrating Halloween,” said Kristen Smith, Manager, Off-Campus and Community Experience. “We know how important the work of Community Care is to support people in our local community.”

Students can also gain volunteer hours and fulfil a requirement under the Community Engagement domain of the Campus-Wide Co-Curriculum by participating in the event.

Brock’s Off-Campus and Neighbourhood Relations team, in partnership with Niagara Regional Police Service, Thorold Fire and Emergency Services and bylaw staff from St. Catharines and Thorold, will also be going door to door in student neighbourhoods on Wednesday, Oct. 29 to promote safe and responsible celebrations as part of the Don’t Put the Bad in Badger campaign. The group will provide students with materials that encourage appropriate behaviour and educate students about possible fines that can be incurred if municipal bylaws are violated.

“We want Brock students to have a fun and safe Halloween,” said Smith. “This includes being a responsible and considerate host if they are hosting friends to celebrate at their home over the Halloween weekend.”

A sample of Halloween events and initiatives is listed below. Visit ExperienceBU for more information.

Tuesday, Oct. 28

• Monsters, Masks, and Manhood drop-in workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. in TH 128A.

 Wednesday, Oct. 29

• Be Spooky, Not Racist workshop on appropriation, bigotry and consent from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Market Hall.
• Drop-In Pumpkin Carving from noon to 5 p.m. in Residence 8.
  

Thursday, Oct. 30

• Boo Bash event providing tips and tricks on responsibly celebrating the Halloween season from 1 to 3 p.m. in Market Hall.
• Student Life Halloween Bash from 4 to 6 p.m. in Market Hall.
• Halloween Pumpkin Painting from 1 to 3 p.m. in MCC 300.

Friday, Oct. 31

• Halloween Social — Bruce Movie Event from 1 to 3 p.m. in Pond Inlet. This event will include a screening of the movie Ghostbusters and is open to graduate students only.
• Trick or treat from 1 to 3 p.m. in TH 145