It was a way to provide an outing when many things were still shut down due to COVID.
The Burkes Barnyard Halloween Extravaganza has grown each year since.
“Every year people come through, we hand them a scavenger hunt as soon as they arrive and they have to follow the clues to find six little stamps around the property. Then they bring back the scavenger hunt for their bag of treats.”
According to Burke the numbers have grown pretty big when it comes to candy.
“This year we had to come up with 2,000 pieces of candy for the amount of treats we’re expecting to hand out. And we did manage to get a lot of that covered by donation. So that was incredibly helpful.”
Burke says she appreciates the amazing support the event receives.
“As much as it’s our event, it’s a huge community effort. Not only me and my husband, but our grown children, our extended family, friends and neighbours, they all come to help for the day.”
According to Burke, donations come from friends, family and neighbours, as well as small local businesses. Every year the Carlow-Mayo recreation committee also provides a generous cash donation.
Burke said there is a new addition to the event.
“We’ve added a vendor market, so we have 10 different vendors that will be set up towards the front. We’ll have hot and cold food as well as treats and craft items and things from small local vendors.”
Burke says there are nerf games provided for free by Popover Parties.
Small bags of animal feed will also be for sale.
“Kids can go back towards where the barn is and throw feed to the chickens, ducks and turkeys. Sometimes the pigs will come out and say hello. They’re in their pen, but sometimes they hide. So you never know if you’ll get to see them.”
Burkes Barnyard Halloween Extravaganza is Oct. 19 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 4169 Boulter Road in Boulter.
In lieu of admission, people are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Bancroft Food Bank.
The family sayd the event is all ages, “so bring the whole family and don’t forget to wear a costume.”
