Hallowe’en during a pandemic

Unfortunately COVID also changed our traditional Hallowe’en celebrations this year.  In the ‘hotspot’ areas of Ontario families were strongly encouraged by the government not to go trick-or-treating this year, and in areas where is was still allowed it had to be adapted so that physical contact was reduced as much as possible.  One thing that didn’t have to change though was our tradition of decorating our houses - and here are some photos I’ve taken over the past few weeks.  A little bit of something pleasurable during a time when many people are becoming increasingly sad and worried and feelings of isolation are really on the increase.

All set up for trick-or-treating at my place.  The jack-o-lantern and pre-made, individual, treat bags are set up in the middle of the lawn and I sat back on the porch to ensure physical distancing.  Obviously not nearly the same as what we’re used to with all the interaction gone, but still hopefully a bit of fun for the kids.

Week 33 - Bayfield becomes a movie set

‘Trigger Point’ is an action thriller starring Barry Pepper and Colm Feore and my sleepy little village of Bayfield is going to see action like it’s never seen before because filming for Trigger Point is going to happen here this week...so perhaps Week 33 of the pandemic might be one of the most exciting!!

The director, Brad Turner, was born in Bayfield and he and his wife, Jessica Petelle, a producer on the film, spend their summers here.  They’re the ones who recommended using their part-time hometown as a backdrop for the movie.

The trailers rolled in, on Monday the cast and crew took over part of Main Street, and the action began.

“Fake news” is what one of the crew said to me when he saw me taking this photo.

Colm Feore is one of the stars

And Barry Pepper (in front of the pole and underneath the tree) is another one of the stars.  This is actually a scene involving a gun fight - you should have heard/seen us, the spectators, scream, swear and jump when the first shots were fired.

Filming in and outside of the Book Store today

Barry - waiting in between takes

Another new location today - by the arena and the Agriculture Park

(Yes, that is snow you see falling)

Also filming today inside Renegade’s Diner

The Bentley that Colm drives

This definitely has been an exciting week for Bayfield!  The village is going to seem very quiet for the next little while until we all adjust back to our usual ‘normal’.