Fortunately I was too busy at work to witness the gruesome making of this Guinness World Record, but Courier photographer Dan Toulgoet spared no details as he described to me how the meat hooks were inserted into the back of freak show performer Burnaby Q. Orbax before he pulled a four-tonne truck 111 metres.
Orbax and his brother Sweet Pepper Klopek are part of Canada's only touring freak show, which returned once again this year for Fright Nights at Playland. It continues through Halloween Oct. 31. Fright Nights is not recommended for children 12 years and younger.
My editor chose to print a tame photograph of the event that you can see on page 3, but for a more graphic look at this feat, go to vancourier.com and click on community calendar. I dare you.
OCT. 29 Now that I've got you in the Halloween Spirit, don't forget the pooch in your life. I hear the Sunny Hill Thrift Store, 3590 Slocan St., has adorable dog coats that can pass as costumes for cheap. Proceeds from the thrift store go to the Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children. The thrift shop driveway is just below the parking lot to the health centre. The store is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Halloween Spook Fest is a fun "age-appropriate" party for children ages one to 12 and their parents/ caregivers Oct. 29 at the Kitsilano Community Centre on Larch Street from 10: 30 a.m. to 12: 30 p.m.
Everyone is encouraged to dress in costume and get ready to party with ghosts, goblins, witches, spiders, superheroes and princesses. The day promises games, crafts, face painting and edible treats, which are far superior to the inedible versions. Tickets are on sale now by telephoning 604-257-69976 or via email at [email protected].
The Halloween Haunted Fo'csle takes place at the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Maritime Museum in Vanier Park Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with pirate activities and free admission for kids under 10 dressed in costume and accompanied by a paid adult. Kids can visit the haunted ghost ship with lots of spooky surprises, fun crafts and ghostly activities. The add on the city's Community Calendar webpage also promises "threats for children of all ages," but I'm guessing it actually means "treats." Or does it? Find it at vancouver.ca for a complete list of city events.
NOW THROUGH OCT. 31
The Stanley Park Ghost Train continues now through Halloween, but did you know that anyone visiting the event can also join in a candlelight nature walk courtesy of the Stanley Park Ecology Centre? These final walks take place every 30 minutes now through Oct. 30 from 6: 30 to 9: 30 p.m. The cost is $3 for children, $4 for adults or $10 for a family of four.
Twitter: @sthomas10
