Where did October go? The weather was so beautiful and the 31 days went by so fast. I cannot believe we are celebrating Halloween today. We spent the weekend finalizing the kids costumes, trying to add some decor to the front of the house, carving pumpkins and roasting the pumpkin seeds. We are ready for the big day! There are so many great events leading up to Halloween in West End Toronto but the fun hasn't ended yet. Have a read below for some inspiration and some final Halloween fun West End Toronto style!

Did you know that the Teal Pumpkin Project is really catching on? Schools, families and kids are all getting behind this idea started by the Food Allergy Research & Education group (FARE) . The Teal Pumpkin Project started in 2014 with the goal to keep Halloween fun and safe for those with food allergies or for those kids that really can't have too much candy. The idea is that by placing a teal coloured pumpkin out front of your house, you let trick or treaters know that you have non-food treats to hand out.  Children with allergies are able to join in the Halloween fun and it's nice that all kids get a break from the heaps of candy and get some other goodies too.

How can you get your teal on?

• Paint a pumpkin teal and put it out front of your house

• Provide non-food treats for trick-or-treaters (stickers, erasers, glow sticks, playing cards etc.)

• Download and display a free printable poster/sign in your window (See their website to download)

• Host an allergy-friendly Halloween party and paint pumpkins with friends

After you and the kids get over the sugar high tomorrow the best way to show off and get rid of your carved pumpkins is participating in one of the neighbourhood Pumpkin Parades. These community led events are so great; giving you a chance to see a wide variety of  "pumpkin art" and to get all the pumpkins picked up by the city green trucks the day after. Win Win!Obvious shout out to Sorauren Ave. Park as they are the hosts of the original Pumpkin Parade in Toronto. Last year they had over 2,000 pumpkins on display. Lit pumpkins making paths throughout the park, families chatting as they walk around and some really great carving skills on display, it's pretty magical. Wednesday November 1st, starting @ sundown, 50 Wabash Ave. Toronto. They have some specific requests this year and all details can be found here. 

In its 5th year, the Pumpkin Walk at Vine Ave. Parkette is gaining some serious momentum and will be hosted by The Junction Project and Councillor Sarah Doucette this year. Wednesday November 1st, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, 200 Vine Ave. Toronto.

Rennie Park is hosting a Pumpkin Parade so if you live in Bloor West Village or Swansea get out and support them! Wednesday November 1st, 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM, 1 Rennie Terrace, Toronto. For details visit their Facebook page. 

And finally, if you haven't stopped by the amazing house at the corner of Dorval & Glenlake yet, you better do it this week! The effort & creativity these amazing homeowners put in to their Halloween display is off the charts. I love it as much as my kids do!Hope you all have a safe and happy Halloween.