A Special Time For Halloween
I'm proud to be taking part in this amazing event at South Centre Mall this year. Most of the time Ryder is ok with Halloween, but we never know what to expect for which characters he doesn't want to see kids dressed up as! I know most Autism families can relate that we don't know how Halloween will look for us each year, whether its costumes, sounds, too many people, lights...the list goes on! It's so great that South Centre is understanding of our different needs! Please check out the info below and I hope to see you there!
Event Name: A Special Time for Halloween - A free sensory-friendly Halloween event designed for children with Autism, mobility disabilities and other special needs.
DESCRIPTION:
Southcentre Mall is proud to be partnering with Autism Calgary for the third year in row to provide a free, sensory-friendly Halloween event designed for children with Autism, mobility disabilities and other special needs. A Special Time for Halloween will be hosted at Southcentre Mall in partnership with Autism Calgary on October 29th from 8:30AM to 10:30AM, prior to mall opening for children aged 2-12.
Although trick or treating is a part of many families’ Halloween traditions, for children with sensory processing difficulties, costumes, darkness, sounds, smells, large crowds, and other traditions can be overwhelming and stressful. With this in mind, Southcentre and Autism Calgary are pleased to offer A Special Time for Halloween, tailored to families and children with sensory needs in mind, including Autism, Asperger’s, Cerebral Palsy, and ADHD, free of charge with registration.
DATE AND TIME:
October 29, 2017 - 8:30AM - 10:30AM
PRICE:
Free with registration
Families can register for A Special Time for Halloween by calling 403-225-9100 until October 26 at 4PM or until the event is full. Space is limited to the first 150 families who register. Once registered, further information including confirmation of your time slot, parking, and check- in information will be provided directly.
VENUE:
Southcentre Mall
ADDRESS:
100 Anderson Road SE 100
Calgary, AB T2J 3V1
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Twitter: @Southcentremall #SouthcentreStories
Instagram: @Southcentremall
Facebook: www.facebook.com/southcentremall
Website: www.southcentremall.com/
Website: www.autismcalgary.com/
More about what to expect at A Special Time for Halloween:
A Special Time for Halloween will be held on Sunday, October 29th from 8:30AM to 10:30AM while Southcentre is closed. The music and lights will be off (with plenty of natural lighting) to provide a quiet, calm and supportive environment.
All families and children with sensory or mobility disabilities and Cystic Fibrosis are all welcome with registration.
There will be 10 trick or treat stations, some with photo opportunity stations (3), so that children and their families can visit each station to “trick or treat” and take a fun photo. Saying trick or treat not expected, but is welcome if children would like.
Southcentre, Autism Calgary and SunRype will provide Halloween candy items at eight of the stations, with one station offering SunRype juice and Fruit-to-Go 100% fruit snacks which do not contain peanuts, tree nuts, or gluten and no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. Additional stations will have products supplied by our retailers, including limited non-food treats.
Costumes are optional for the children and not recommended for adults. Southcentre and Autism Calgary ask that no one wears face masks or overtly scary costumes.
Staff and volunteers will be wearing Halloween themed t-shirts so they may be identified.
Families can register for A Special Time for Halloween by calling 403-225-9100 until October 26 at 4PM or until the event is full. Space is limited to the first 150 families who register. Once you are registered, further information including confirmation of your time slot, parking, and check- in information will be provided directly to you.
It is estimated that it will take approximately ½ -1 hour to visit all the stations and take photos at the booths, however, visitors may spend as much or as little time as desired. Please know that Southcentre begins to open its doors at 11am and we will see some general traffic, including mall employees, prior to retailers’ opening time at 11am. We recommend you book an early slot if you require a quieter environment. The Halloween activities will be taken down at 11am.
Entry times will be staggered in 15 minute increments beginning at 8:30AM and ending at 10:30AM to assist in decreasing any wait time and congestion. Visitors are asked to arrive as close to their allotted time as possible so that wait time can be minimized for everyone, and we can provide the most supportive environment possible for success.
Siblings are welcome. Please inform Southcentre upon registration how many
children will be in attendance so Southcentre can ensure to have enough treats for everyone. As there is limited space, we ask that only siblings in the immediate family be brought to the event.
Please note that this year’s event will be filmed to be shared with media post event. Waivers will be e-mailed prior to the event to print off at your convenience, and some copies will be available at the event in case you cannot print yours from home. Should you not wish to appear on camera please let event staff know.
xo Kodette
