EVEN the devil himself is becoming eco-friendly with a sustainable Halloween party in the City of Fremantle.
Don’t worry, the dead aren’t being up-cycled at the medical school of Notre Dame, it’s more along the lines of reusable lanterns, sustainable food and wreaths made from native flora.
The party in question is Halloween with Heart, a family-friendly extravaganza organised by the Sustainable Housing for Artists and Creatives Co-operative.
The annual fright-night on Nannine Common in White Gum Valley is a spooky mix of fire eating, acrobatics, roving entertainment, live music and face painting.
There will even be a “Coffin Selfie Booth” and a Day of the Dead Ofrenda Shrine, where you can place photos of your loved ones who have passed away.
First held in 2017 to activate Nannine Common, a community garden, the Halloween shindig has become a favourite with locals.
“Families from WGV Primary and Hazel Orme Kindy usually meet in Valley Park after school, before roaming the streets in costume and finishing the evening at Nannine Common, where SHACC’s vibrant performances take centre stage,” says SHACC board director Carol Leen Huish.
“The event offers an authentic, sustainable and family friendly alternative to the commercialised side of Halloween.
“Halloween with Heart is about reclaiming the streets for kids and families, making Nannine Common a safe and joyful hub where the community can gather.”
• Some of the spooky fun at Halloween with Heart in White Gum Valley.
Huish says the fire twirling is a fan favourite, and they usually wind down the night with an outdoor movie (last year it was The Wizard of Oz).
In the lead up to Halloween with Heart, SHACC will be holding a series of affordable community workshops including lantern making, sustainable plant printmaking, wreath-making, eulogy writing, and a singing class with Saritah, where participants will learn All Hallows Eve by Reina Del Cid.
“A firm favourite, and always a crowd-pleaser, is the Circus Skills for Kids Workshop with DivaDingo, which culminates in a fun and high-energy group performance on Halloween night,” Huish says.
“These workshops not only give children the chance to learn circus tricks from professional artists but also invite adults to participate in creating art alongside their kids.
“These creative experiences perfectly reflect SHACC’s mission to make the arts accessible, sustainable and community-driven.”
Given it’s Halloween, the Chook couldn’t help ask SHACC if it would let in people dressed as Donald Trump?
“Artists have long stood alongside the poor and disenfranchised, using humour and creativity as acts of resistance, empathy, and compassion,” Huish says.
“So yes, Donald Trump costumes are absolutely welcome, and have actually been a popular choice among local kids for years.
“Dressing up is part of the fun and an expression of individuality. Whether you come as Trump, a frog, a witch or wizard, or something entirely your own creation, everyone is welcome to join in the laughter, celebration, and community connection that make this event so special.”
Halloween with Heart is free and on from 4:30pm-7:30pm in Nannine Avenue in White Gum Valley on October 31. The workshops are on October 25-30. For more info and tickets see eventbrite.com.au.
by STEPHEN POLLOCK