Bradley Shende was on Global's Morning News Hour Monday talking about Hallowe'en - here's some of the stuff he covered.

http://www.globaltv.com/globaltv/bc/morning_news/connectedlife.html

Here are a few interesting facts related to Hallowe'en:

Pumpkins are indigenous to North America - Turnips were used to make Jack O' Lanterns in early Europe.

Halloween is said to be the second biggest picture-taking holiday of the year, just after Christmas.

The world's largest pumpkin weighed in at 1385 pounds.

Orange is a Halloween color because of its association with the colors of Autumn and the Fall harvest.

In Mexico they celebrate, 'The Day of the Dead', where those who have passed away are honored. In Vancouver, you can check out the public dreams society's: Parade of Lost Souls - check out their website for more details: http://www.publicdreams.org/

Musicians and dancers become the parade and the procession moves slowly around the Grandview Park and Commercial Drive area. You can dance down the street – watch shadow puppets, and check out the decked out houses. A lot of people bring out their homemade lanterns.

The 2008 Parade of Lost Souls braves the night from 6:30pm until late on Oct. 25—the Saturday preceding Halloween.

For some really great general information - check out:

http://www.halloweenwebsites.com/

http://www.halloweenonlinemagazine.com/

From Halloween Costumes to Fog Machines, the Halloween Online Magazine brings you the best how-to articles, news, product reviews and more.

http://www.halloweenkitchen.com/

Halloween Recipes.

http://www.pumpkincarving101.com/

Just like the title says - pumpkin carving 101 will show you how to have the best-looking pumpkin on the block.

http://www.halloween-safety.com/

Halloween safefy tips for kids and parents.

Haunted Vancouver Trolley Tours

From Oct. 17–Nov. 1, the Vancouver Museum runs blood-curdling tours that begin at the museum and reveal the macabre history of the west coast city. From the museum, those who are brave enough hop on a trolley tour that travels to the massive Mountain View Cemetery (on Fraser between 31st and 41st), and then come to a final resting place at the old city morgue for an autopsy lesson.

Tours depart from 6pm–9:40pm from the museum, 1100 Chestnut Street (near the Burrard St. bridge), but is not suitable for children under 13.
Stanley Park Ghost Train

The ghost train heads through Stanley Park revealing the pirate stories of those who searched these lands for treasure. Watch for ghosts as the tours venture into the deep, dark forest nightly from Oct. 10–Nov. 1.

The Vancouver Parks event is perfect for younger children with additional activities including a visit to the farmyard and craft-making.
Creatures of the Night, Stanley Park

The Stanley Park Ecology Society leads night walks heading out every 30 min. between 7–9:30pm. Learn about the bats, night owls, and squirrels that call the park home and venture out only under the cover of darkness. Tours generally run Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, but call 604-718-6522 for tour dates.
PNE Fright Nights

The gruesome faces and chilling sounds will raise the hair and rattle the bones of all who dare to enter. From being buried alive to exploring a nuclear disaster, the Pacific Nation Exhibition grounds become take on a new level of fear from Oct. 16–Nov. 1.
Alternate Vancouver Halloween Activities

In addition to the above events, Fort Langley morphs into a scary spot for Eerie Nights of Fright, the Burnaby Village Museum stages the Great Candy Train Robbery, and there’s always the old-fashioned and ever-popular trick or treating throughout the city.

http://www.halloweenwebsites.com/

http://www.halloweenonlinemagazine.com/

http://www.halloweenkitchen.com/

http://www.pumpkincarving101.com/

http://www.halloween-safety.com/

http://www.publicdreams.org/

http://vancouver.ca/parks/events/ghosttrain/index.htm

http://www.vanmuseum.bc.ca/

http://www.stanleyparkecology.ca/

http://www.pne.ca/fright-nights/

Have a safe and fun Hallowe'en everyone.