Stirling’s Festival of Frights returns for fifth straight year

Posted on October 29, 2026 by admin

By Kristine Jean
Southern Alberta Newspapers

Skeletons, ghosts, goblins and fierce-looking Jack-o-lanterns may be some of the scary Halloween decorations adorning homes in the Village of Stirling’s 5th Annual Festival of Frights.  

The one-day event takes place on Friday, Oct. 30, and will showcase resident’s creativity and Halloween flair. A couple of residents from the community will act as judges and after viewing all of the decorated homes, choose the top three winners. 

“It’s just a little something that we do to build up community spirit and everyone is welcome to participate,” said Stacey Maynes, chair of the Community Events Committee. “We tell people to decorate your home for Halloween … we drive around and we see who’s decorated their houses and then we pick the top three.” 

This year, the committee will hand out trophies to the top three decorated homes for the Festival of Frights on Oct. 30.  

In her first year with the Community Events Committee, Maynes noted how several committee members participate in the event every year and look forward to the Festival of Frights.  

“I think last year there were about eight houses in the running and every year we get a few more,” said Maynes, adding how some residents go all out for Halloween and decorate and residents can enjoy the annual Halloween event. 

“Some (houses) are just amazing. We do this at Christmas time, too,” she said. 

When choosing winners, the Community Events Committee will look for creativity, something different (from previous years) and something that catches their eye, noted Maynes. 

Everyone in the village of Stirling is welcome to participate, decorate their home for Halloween and join the fun.    

“It definitely brings the spirit up in our community,” said Maynes, noting how some people might not expect their homes to be recognized in the Festival of Frights. “We knock on their door and give them a prize, so it’s kind of fun that way,” said Maynes. “It’s fun to see that community spirit and the kids also love seeing the houses on Halloween night (while) going around trick or treating.”