Hallowe’en in Cabbagetown

It’s here – one of the best nights of the year. In our neighbourhood, there’s no mistaking it. Hundreds of kids descend on us and they want their stuff!
For serious Hallowe’en shoppers (especially those of us who do it at the last minute), there’s treasure to be found along Parliament Street.

Start with the basics:
A good pumpkin can be found in several places on the street.
At Joe’s No Frills (449 Parliament), they don’t fool around – they’ve got plenty of them and they’re on sale at $2.99.
Jamestown Milk (592 Parliament) and Parliament Smoke (609 Parliament) both have big outdoor displays right at Parliament and Wellesley. Once again, these folks deserve a loud cheer for the way they perk up this corner with their flowers and pumpkins and seasonal decorations.

Decorate your steps:
Don’t leave your pumpkin to do the job all alone. Ghostly strands, grave stones, skeletons and lots of repulsive monsters are all available on Parliament.
Dollar4U has terrific decorations and costumes. Their Customer Appreciation Contest is also underway - if your purchase totals $20 or more, your name will be entered in the contest. Prizes include a Dirt Devil vaccuum, DVD Surround Sound, remote control robot and a cordless telephone. Winners’ names will be drawn on November 1. This makes it worthwhile to wander down to their store.
That big plastic lantern is another eye-catching decoration. It’s at Shopper’s Drug Mart (467 Parliament) and it’s yours for only $29.99.

Candy
When hundreds of kids show up, you need good candies at bargain prices. We’ve got the answer for you.
The Bargain Shop (429 Parliament), as always, has candies and costumes at the best prices (and they guarantee that!) While you’re there, check out the rest of the store. Their prices and selections are amazing.
Shoppers Drug Mart (467 Parliament) is another place with a huge variety of candies. Their special discounts start from $1.99 per package.
Our newest discount store – Loonie or Less at 480 Parliament - has a range of candy and decorations for a dollar (or less.)

Adult Entertainment
So there’s only so much that we can do for the kids without a break. At Lennie’s Health Foods (489 Parliament), orange and black yoga mats (with fetching black carrying cases for $26.99) are just the thing if you’ve sprained your back carrying home that pumpkin. Their reusable Hallowe’en cloth bags are another seasonal bargain at $13.99.
Pick up some Hallowe’en cookies at Daniel et Daniel (240 Carlton). Save these for yourself.

And have a trick or treat for yourself
If you aren’t worried about the kids and candies, take a night for yourself at The Stonegrill on Winchester (51B Winchester). Mae Cromwell and her band will be playing from 9 to 1 am. There are prizes for those who show up in nifty costumes. For more information, call 416-967-6565.


News and announcements

Devah is on the move
Formerly from Courtyard Hair on Carlton, Devah has just moved her salon to join Hair Spa (440 Parliament). She still books her appointments on Friday and Saturday and she can be reached at the same phone number, 416-964-1050. From time to time, she’s made the few hairs left on my head stand up straight. We’re pleased that Devah has made an effort to stay nearby – after sixteen years in our neighbourhood, she’s really important for us.

Number 9 Audio Group
222 Gerrard Street East. For musicians and artists, Number 9 has a “who can resist” offer. CDs and DVDs can be duplicated (both short run and manufacturing) for a special discounted rate of 10% off the regular price. Call 416-348-8718 for more information. Offer ends November 18.

Anabella’s Lounge at the Piccolo (226 Carlton) is picking up the pace with its Friday night jazz series. This week on Friday night, Vincent Wolfe joins Whitney Smith and Jordan O’Connor at 9:30 pm. No cover. For reservations, call 416-944-3738.

Jazz at The Cobourg
533 Parliament. 416-913-7538
John Alcorn and his trio will be appearing every Sunday throughout November. Beautiful music in a great setting. 9 pm, Sundays, no cover charge.

The Stonegrill on Winchester
51B Winchester. 416-967-6565. New menu items are now highlighted. The first week of each month will be devoted to wild game. You’ll find musk ox, elk, osterich and other game in addition to the regular menu.

One last word …
Thanks to the Aberdeen Avenue Residents Group for their cleanup efforts in the lane behind the stores north of Aberdeen. They’ve cleared up garbage and painted the back walls to make this area more presentable. They’re still working with local business owners, the City of Toronto and Green P to make the whole area a positive part of their neighbourhood.