By Fatima Raza, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, TheIFP.ca
With Halloween just under two weeks away, downtown Acton is inviting the community to join the fun with its Monster Hunt, a scavenger event where residents can search for cleverly hidden posters in storefront windows across town for a chance to win prizes.
The Monster Hunt event is created to bring people into the Downtown Acton Business Improvement Area (BIA) area for a family-friendly scavenger hunt to find the seven photos of monsters, from classic Universal Studios movies, that have been “hidden” in seven, storefront windows between the Eastern Avenue and Main Street-area downtown.
The “informal scavenger hunt” began on Oct. 16 is taking place over two weeks as an “at your own leisure” type of walkabout, explained Matthew Galliford, Downtown Acton BIA co-ordinator. The final day to submit entries will be at midnight Oct. 30.
Galliford said the hunt is similar to other monthly promotions the town has had and he hopes it becomes a cherished tradition that brings the community together.
“The hunt is for participants to come downtown and discover all of the shops, services and restaurants that downtown Acton has to offer,” Galliford said, adding that he hopes this leads to people discovering a place that they haven’t visited before, or a restaurant that they have always wanted to try.
“Of course, returning business to any of the places downtown is always appreciated,” he said.
Local businesses are encouraged to decorate their windows in full Halloween spirit, adding to the festive atmosphere of the whimsical scavenger hunt.
“All of the local businesses within the BIA district have been encouraged to decorate their windows for Halloween,” Galliford said.
Ultimately, Galliford noted that it’s up to each business whether they choose to host any additional promotions beyond handing out candy during the Trick or Treat event next weekend.
Prizes for the Monster Hunt will be donated by local businesses and will include Halloween goodie bags. Winners will be selected randomly from all entries to ensure fairness, Galliford said.
Participants are encouraged to email the names of the monsters and where each one was found to actonbiaevents@yahoo.com by midnight on Oct. 30 for a chance to win prizes.
The Trick or Treat event will take place on Mill and Main Streets on Saturday, Oct. 26, from noon to 2 p.m. That event will coincide with the scavenger hunt, giving people the chance to visit downtown Acton for trick-or-treating while also hunting for the photos.
In addition, residents can be a part of the pumpkin giveaway, sponsored by Coldwell Banker Escarpment Realty and other festive attractions, including a Scarefest Haunted House and a replica Batmobile photo opportunity.
Then, on the evening of Nov. 1, the annual Coldwell Banker Pumpkin Promenade will take place, where all the lit jack-o’-lanterns will be on display for one night only in front of the Acton Town Hall Centre on Willow Street North.
Galliford also noted that previous hunts did well and had a great community turnout. Earlier this year the town had a “Find the Leprechaun and his Pot of Gold” hunt, a movie trivia hunt for eight trivia questions distributed on eight random windows, a “Find the Easter Bunny Footprints” event and other promotions.
“The turnout for these promos is based on how many online entries that we receive. Usually, we will get a few dozen entries within the two weeks and then all of the entries are entered into a digital randomizer wheel to select the winners,” Galliford said.
As Halloween approaches, Galliford encourages the community to participate in all events offered.
“Come out and visit downtown Acton, have a fun, family walk around looking for the monster photos and visit the shops, services and restaurants if you get an opportunity,” he said. “Having fun is the No. 1 priority.”
Galliford added that all of these events are taking place while downtown Acton is undergoing some road construction. He said Mill Street is open to regular traffic and pedestrians but closed to transport trucks only.
“While there is construction, downtown Acton is open for business as usual and these events are taking place as they normally have,” he added.
For more information and to participate in the Monster Hunt, email your entries to actonbiaevents@yahoo.com or visit Downtown Acton BIA on Facebook.
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