Story by Samantha MacLean ~ Photos by Mary P. Brooke      |         October 31, 2009

Every year on All Hallows Eve, the Sooke fire hall becomes the hub of all things scary and spooky. The big draw was the 8th annual Halloween haunted house that is hosted within the fire hall itself, spilling all the fire trucks and first responder vehicles out onto the front paved area, looking very urgent. Each year, this event succeeds in impressing even the most jaded of scare-seekers.

The local firefighters did a fantastic job on the haunted house, if by no other measure than the crowds of children and families who attended on the evening of Saturday, October 31. This year the vent drew an estimated 200+ attendees, a tally likely boosted by the event falling on a weekend (with more time for preparation and attendance).

The 2009 theme was that of an actual house that is haunted, with areas sectioned off into rooms like the kitchen, the living room, and bathroom. The Sweeny Todd theme took place in the bathroom, and "scary" movies were played in the living room (who knew that Oprah could be so terrifying?). As in past years, admission to the haunted house was free, with donations at the door accepted.

Spearheaded by organizer Rick Armour, several volunteer and staff firefighters were behind this community event along with some teen volunteer participation. Dressing up as a variety of ghouls and zombies and providing a horrifyingly good time for anyone who entered, the volunteers did an excellent job of setting the mood and playing their parts.

From offering a way for highschool students to get their volunteer hours in for graduation, to providing an accessible community event with something for everyone, the haunted house at the Sooke fire hall is as important and traditional to celebrating Halloween in Sooke as are jack-o-lanterns and super hero costumes to Halloween itself.   MM