Scary Halloween Interviews

Let the goosebumps spread and the hairs stand up on Halloween, and let the candy fill your dreams.

My sister, Karin Martin, and her husband, the amazing Trevor Walker, have done it again this year. They have created a massive display of Halloween fright.

Each year, Trevor puts in hundreds of hours of hard labour to create many macabre and ghastly displays and exhibits, all aimed at scaring little children during October leading up to October 31, 2020 – All Hallows’ Eve, or better known as Halloween.

He has outdone himself this year.

Below is a link to nested video footage to show you exactly what the 2020 display looks like and to send a terrifying shiver up your spine. Boo.

Here is a link to the original video clip if the nest video does not play for you in your browser.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=809694319855956

So, what is Halloween and when did it originate? I am glad that you asked.

Halloween is a holiday celebrated each year on October 31, and Halloween 2020 will occur on Saturday, October 31. The tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts.

Samhain is a pagan religious festival originating from an ancient Celtic spiritual tradition. In modern times, Samhain (a Gaelic word pronounced “sow-win”) is usually celebrated from October 31 to November 1 to welcome in the harvest and usher in “the dark half of the year.” Celebrants believe that the barriers between the physical world and the spirit world break down during Samhain, allowing more interaction between humans and denizens of the Otherworld.

In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints. Soon, All Saints Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes, and eating treats.

On October 23, 2020, Karin participated in a radio interview with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) magazine show, Here & Now, hosted by the Gillian “Gill” Deacon. An alternate host was actually conducting the interview with Karin. I have been told that her name is Mary Ito. She did a wonderful interview. The CBC always has the best hosts. Here & Now provides a wrap-up of the day’s hottest local, national, and international news. You can listen to the interview here.

Cross Country Checkup with Ian Hanomansing

CROSS COUNTRY CHECKUP – Canada’s only national open line radio program, broadcasts live simultaneously through six time zones across Canada every Sunday afternoon. Each week, there is a lively discussion on an issue of national interest, inviting listeners to call in with their thoughts and opinions.

The National’s Ian Hanomansing guest hosts this season while Duncan McCue is away from CROSS COUNTRY CHECKUP on a Massey College journalism fellowship.

Public health officials are advising that kids avoid trick or treating this Halloween in Toronto, Ottawa and parts of New Brunswick. With the annual tradition off the table, parents should find other ways to celebrate the haunting holiday, they say.

Our question this week: “Is it safe to trick or treat? How are you celebrating Halloween this year?”

Listen to Ian Hanomansing interview Karin about her family’s spooky Halloween displays.

CRAZY FAMILY – These days, with the antics of the USA First Family generating more bizarre behaviour than any current comedy television show, I was beginning to think that my own family was not as insane as previously assumed. Sure, we have some quirks but we are amateurs at best compared to Trump’s idiotic stunts. None of us have such deep seated self interests to push the envelope too far.

But, then just as I begin to smile. This happens.

My 92 year old Aunt Teresa (Tess) Lawrence says, “Hold my beer” as Halloween is fast approaching. Here is a photo of her. She and her retirement home cohort are doing a “dress rehearsal” for their annual Halloween extravaganza. Yes, they are loading her into a hearse to prepare to terrorize wee little ones. Do not worry, she has on makeup. Like my twisted sister, Karin Martin and her amazing husband, Trevor Walker, Aunt Tess loves the spooky stuff.

The question that remains, who will get more national media coverage? – Karin or Aunt Tess? While Karin ran nationally this past Sunday on CBC Radio One with Ian Hanomansing, Aunt Tess is a serious player, so I am betting she will get national ‘television’ coverage this year.

Well played Aunt Tess, well played… Time to up your game Karin Martin.