Hundreds of families and individuals came out to the Fright Market at The Western Fair District in London this Saturday for a day of Halloween fun.
The event was a success. It ran from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., making sure all participants were able to enjoy the most fun. Despite the gloomy weather and rain, the event went on successfully with an estimated number of 500 visitors.
The market featured dozens of spooky local vendors, onsite food trucks, a kid’s costume contest, non-stop live music performed by local artists, and a lot more.
“It’s been non-stop action, really. It’s been really great. We’ve had a few cosplayers come through and entertain the kids and take pictures with the kids and stuff,” said Greg Blanchard, one of the event organizers at The Western Fair Market.
Many local small businesses joined in at the event to celebrate an early Halloween with all the kids and families. Nancy Manning, the owner of The Black Rose Emporium, a London-based luxury crafting business, was so excited when she heard about London’s first-ever Halloween-themed market.
“Well, because at this time of year, being around Halloween and right on the precipice of Halloween and all being at the fright market is absolutely amazing. That’s what makes it special for me personally, is that my products are witchy or Halloweeny. So, my products kind of just fit right into this atmosphere,” said Manning.
Despite having attended various markets across Southwestern Ontario, Manning said this is one of the best ones she had ever attended.
“All the little children that are dressed up in costumes, I have seen some pretty good ones. I love seeing the children in their costumes and the smiles on their faces,” said Manning.
The kid’s costume contest was the highlight of the event. Many parents came to the market so their children can partake in the contest. From Pikachu and Star Wars, to astronauts and dinosaurs, the participants were very creative with their costumes.
At the contest, kids were divided into three groups, toddlers, youths, and teenagers, to compete in order to win a grand prize full of awesome Halloween treats and decors.
“I’m Nezuko from Demon Slayer, and I came here because I like dressing up and this is my only cosplay ever done,” says Emma Thomas, the first-place winner from the teenager group, dressed as the main character from a famous Japanese Anime.
The smile on kids’ faces said it all. The first-ever Halloween-themed Fright Market was a success.
“Let’s do it. Yes, every year we’re going to do this. Oh, bigger and better every year,” said Blanchard, excited for the upcoming years.
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