Pandemic Fails to Squash Pumpkin Carving Enthusiasm

It was the first in-person event from the Regal Heights Residents’ Association (RHRA) in more than a year and a half – and people were ready to celebrate.

More than 400 kids and adults streamed into the Santa Chiara Park on Saturday, October 23 for the association’s annual Halloween Pumpkin Carving.

The RHRA worked with the Northcliffe Village Residents’ Association and the office of City Councillor Ana Bailão and provided pumpkins and safety knives for the free event. In order to keep things safe, all participants had to wear a mask and carvers were kept well separated.

For the first time, the event included live music by local musicians.

“It’s wonderful to finally be getting together again in person with people from the neighbourhood,” said RHRA Chair John Keating. “We still have to be cautious, but it’s a glimpse of what’s to come once the pandemic is over.”

Special thinks to Rona Home & Garden, Stockyards location for the generous discount on the pumpkins!

Northcliffe Village Residents’ Association Chair Maurice Williams (left) and RHRA Chair John Keating (right) with members of the D’Amico family. The family launched the Anne Marie D’Amico Foundation to honour Anne Marie, who was killed in the Toronto van attack. The foundation will hold a fundraising concert for the North York Women’s Shelter on December 3 at Meridian Hall. Tickets: https://www.damicofoundation.org/