Boost Community Spirit This Halloween: Tips for a Spooktacular Neighborhood Get-Together

As an expat and dive instructor in Calgary, I've seen firsthand the importance of building a connected community. Halloween provides a perfect opportunity to bring neighbors together for some spooky fun and festive treats. According to Mars Canada’s third annual Spooktacular Trends Report, 76% of Canadians see putting out a bowl of candy as a sign of welcome for guests and trick-or-treaters. This year, let's take that a step further and host a Halloween gathering that makes everyone feel welcome.

Set the Scene with Spooky Decorations

• Carved pumpkins, fake cobwebs, and skeletons can create a festive atmosphere.
• Line your walkway with pumpkins or add a few spooky decorations to your porch to make guests feel at home.

Stock Up on Treats for Every Kind of Halloween Craving

• Offer a mix of sweet and salty options, like MARS® Halloween Chocolate Assorted Fun Size Candies and SKITTLES® and STARBURST® Fruity Halloween Fun Size Candies.
• Put out some packs of PRINGLES® Halloween Original Snack Stack Chips to satisfy savory cravings.
• These snacks also come in individually wrapped fun-size packs, perfect for trick-or-treaters.

Get the Lighting Just Right

• Swap bright overhead lights for warm lamps, string lights, or battery-powered candles.
• Use orange or purple lighting to give your space a Halloween glow.

Get Your Costume On

• Dress up and host a costume contest with categories like scariest costume, funniest outfit, or best DIY look.
• Let guests vote for their favorites and offer inexpensive prizes like a party bag of assorted Mars snacks.

This year, let the treats do the talking so you can focus on being a Good NeighBAR, bringing people together, and making your corner of the neighborhood feel a little more connected. Stock up on Mars this Halloween at your local grocery stores, and get ready to be the best neighbor on the block!