Dear Editor,

Despite monsoon-like rains, Tapley's Farm was inundated with over 1,000 children and their families, who came out for a howling good time to enjoy the 29th annual Halloween celebration.

Fifty neighbourhood residents once again pulled out all the stops to create a spooky and festive atmosphere complete with decorations, lights, music, special hot drinks and of course copious supplies of candy, with an estimated 50,000 pieces handed out. 

Thank you to everyone who donated candy and especially to Nesters Market, IGA Marketplace and The Grocery Store for their generous contributions, as well as to local families who kindly donated to the food bank on their way in.

The night culminated with the most spectacular firework display to date, generously sponsored by Nesters Market. Thanks also to the Whistler Fire Department for managing the fireworks and warming everyone with hot chocolate, and to the RCMP for their ongoing support.

This was the 10th anniversary of the 'Park and Spook' shuttle to Tapley’s — thanks to Whistler Transit, Whistler Marketplace and the Resort Municipality of Whistler for making this possible and to the Waldorf School children for their creative decorations. 

New for 2012, prizes were awarded for best, scariest and funniest costumes, with prizes going to Oscar VanDongen, Jack Morrow and Garret Riley respectively. There was fierce competition for the best decorated houses. Winners were: Spookiest House — Paul Fournier, Most Kid-Friendly House — Erin Marof and Best Special Effects House — the Munsters. Special mention for Artistic Excellence in Pumpkin Carving went to the Riley and Johnston families. Many thanks to our dedicated and bedraggled judges Mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden, Whistler Question Editor Tanya Foubert and RCMP Sgt. Rob Knapton.

And finally, thanks to the local companies who donated prizes and services to support this annual event, including the Whistler Question, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Ziptrek, Summit Sports, Momentum Ski Camps, Dupps Burritos, Dairy Queen, Fruv Freedomwear, Green Earth Organics and the Whistler Film Festival.

Here's to keeping this free, family-friendly tradition alive in true Whistler spirit.

Tapleys Moms: Erin Marof, Stephanie Worts, Kasi Lubin, Sylvie Pare, Jacinta Mousset-Jones, Shauna Hardy Mishaw, Julia Smart and Anna Fraser Sproule