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Lake Afternoon Drive: Halloween on a budget

Halloween is tomorrow, and if you’re feeling the urge to drop fifty bucks on a costume, hold that thought! Before you rush out, I’ve got a challenge for you: shop your own closet first.

Why? Because the most creative costumes aren’t always the ones that come in a bag. They’re the ones born from imagination and a little resourcefulness. Plus, saving a few bucks means you can spend that money where it really counts: on local treats and decorations.

The zero-budget costume hack

Here’s the secret: the best costumes often start with two things that have absolutely no business being together. Think: cowboy hat + Hawaiian shirt. Or ball gown + hockey gloves. The weirder the combo, the better the laugh.

I raided my own closet and found a pairing so bizarre it made me look exactly like a certain cartoon character. (Tune in to the show tomorrow for the big reveal!)

The point is, you don’t need a big budget to win Halloween. You just need creativity and maybe a willingness to look ridiculous.

Add local flair

Once you’ve got your quirky clothing base, why not swing by a local shop for a little extra sparkle? A funky accessory, a bold scarf, or even some face paint from a Kenora retailer can take your DIY costume from “random” to “legendary.”

Supporting local businesses keeps the community strong and gives you bragging rights for shopping smart.

Halloween
Photo by Guava Juice on Giphy

Makeup: your secret weapon

Heavy eyeliner? Yes. Bright blush? Absolutely. Dramatic lipstick? Bring it on. A little colour can transform “random outfit” into “legit costume.” And if you’re not a makeup pro, don’t sweat it. Halloween is the one day where messy is part of the charm.

Kenora’s Halloween hot spots

Speaking of showing off your look, Kenora’s got two Trunk or Treat events tomorrow. And the best part? They don’t even overlap.

  • Grand Council Treaty 3 Trunk or Treat kicks off during the day. Perfect for families and anyone who wants to flaunt their costume in the sunlight.
  • Ladies in Black Trunk or Treat takes over in the evening. Spooky vibes guaranteed.

Hit both, then head home in time for the World Series. For all the details, check out the Events tab!

Happy Halloween!

Halloween is about fun, creativity, and community. By starting with what you already own and adding a little local flair, you save money, support Kenora businesses, and guarantee a costume that’s one-of-a-kind.

So tomorrow, before you buy something you’ll wear once, take the challenge: shop your closet, then shop local. Get weird. Get creative.

And if you need inspiration, tune in to the Afternoon Drive on 89.5 The Lake. I’ll share my own cartoon-worthy creation and keep you updated on all the local Halloween happenings.

  • Caleb McMillan is an on-air personality with 89.5 The Lake in Kenora. Before joining the Acadia team in 2025, he worked as a freelance writer, teaming up with breweries, cannabis growers, and YouTubers. Now, he’s back to his first love — radio.

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Kenora, CA
4:01 am, Apr 10, 2026
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