By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Art and light are set to unite this weekend in a Halloween themed monster mash at the Chatham Armoury.
The family-friendly event is the first of three planned for a state-of-the-art Armoury in Lights series of performances that combine dancing, art and projection mapping for a unique experience.
Lisa Lester, who co-created the Halloween script with Megan Whalen, said this weekend’s upcoming drive-in performance offers something for everyone.
Without giving too much away, Lester said the Halloween event is “edgy and current” as opposed to the “warm and fuzzy” Christmas show.
“It’s going to be fun,” said Lester, of Four Diamond Events, the company putting on the show, noting the Halloween show comes with an upbeat moral to the story.
“People are really missing that live element as opposed to watching on a screen,” Lester said. “This is the same quality of show you would see in Paris or New York. There’s a lot that goes into it.”
On Tuesday, workers at the site were busy. Cranes lifted lights onto the armoury’s roof and a maze of technological equipment was being put together on the grounds.
The Halloween event runs from Oct. 24 to 30, with two performances each night, at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. This is a change from initial start times of 5:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m..
It’s not the only thing in store. A special free Remembrance Day memorial show will be held Nov. 10, with the Christmas program to follow running from Dec. 5 to 12.
Special lighting effects will also be featured throughout the Armoury for a Christmas Market event, running at the armoury from Nov. 26 to Dec. 1.
There is a limit of 90 cars per show and all are required to pre-register.
Each show is 90-minutes long and include an illuminated pathway, local bands, and a 40-minute 3-D live show projected onto walls of the historic building.
A portion of the proceeds from the armoury shows will be donated to the Chatham-Kent Children’s Treatment Centre.
The event is safe as per COVID-19 safety protocols.
The Armoury is located at 44 William St. N in Chatham.
For more information and ticket pricing visit armouryinlights.com online.
