Like our theme, our sponsors are "outta this world!" With their help, we have created a fun event, have enough propane to keep the towers on and people warm, and treats to share leading up to and for the BIG DAY.
We've had some questions, comments, and amazement about who our sponsors are and how they came to be, so I decided to share some more behind-the-scenes info.
Airdrie Safety Training: While new as a business to Airdrie, Clifford and I are safety training instructors with nearly 40 years of combined teaching experience. We started AST in February 2024 because we received ongoing calls and emails seeking local safety training courses at our other business (which focuses exclusively on training safety trainers). Airdrie Safety Training provided all the safety mechanisms like winching components to suspend the UFO, fire extinguishers, electrical cords, and PPE for hearing and eye protection, as well as established safety protocols and check sheets to ensure risk management from build to use. AST allows us the flexibility of schedule to create and run the Not-so-Spooky Haunted House. I LOVE MY WORK!
Brick Bin: In 2023, we were looking for Halloween Lego. Our excitement overflowed when we shared what we were doing - a façade in the garage so people could see it. Tony generously offered coupons worth $15 for 1 cup full of Lego, redeemable at either store. The only provisos were that the coupons go to those excited about the display and playing with Lego and that kids had to be able to pick out their cupfuls. Except for the minimum age (4), it didn't matter who we shared the coupons with. The Brick Bin has returned as a sponsor this year. Tony and the staff are excited to support creativity and community, and we are so grateful.
Genesis Land: With the growth of attendance and unknowns about some sponsors coming back on board, we sought additional help to sponsor the Halloween treats. Genesis came to mind because a Development Manager had been through our 2023 Christmas Eye Spy. During the conversation, he gave us his card and said, "This is the kind of thing Genesis could get behind." I decided they might be willing to support the HH if he liked the Eye Spy. So, I boldly connected and asked for assistance; they are excited to sponsor. We can't wait for them to visit and share the fun!
Airdrie Dodge: Again, this year, we are thankful for Airdrie Dodge's support. With new ownership and being unknown to them, we are grateful for the personal connections that helped see the sponsorship continue. Airdrie Dodge is donating $$ of every vehicle sold until October 26th towards the treats for Halloween. While I continue to learn and improve at using social media, they have supported us with social media posts and shares. We can't wait for them to come to share the fun, too!
Orca Rebar: We met Tim and the staff at Orca Rebar because they required forklift safety training. Orca provides reinforcing steel(rebar) management, consultation, detailing, estimating, fabrication, and installation, among many other things. When asked about the cost of the materials so we could build the vortex, Tim offered to donate the rebar material and bend it into rings for the vortex. On September 4th, our 31st anniversary, we spent a portion of the afternoon learning and watching them cut and shape the rebar - a fascinating, exciting, and delightful time. I enjoyed learning and watching Clifford jump in to assist. I don't know if Tim and the team know how much of a gift that experience was. We were all smiles. From early visitors' smiles and feedback and asking to go through again, the vortex is a tripendicular hit!
TPH: We have worked with TPH as a business supplier for over ten years for all our print needs. Last year, we asked for help developing and printing a banner to thank the sponsors who shared our excitement. Just like last year, Dave and the staff at TPH provided the "print ready" expertise to trim and finish the logos and graphics for the coupons and banners, so we only paid for the print materials. They also supplied new banner stand hardware this year because the old ones were difficult. We are so grateful for the expertise and new banners; the new ones are much easier to set up and take down!
Solis Energy: Our history with Solis Energy is because of our relationship with Robert, who we worked with to get solar panels in 2023. We reviewed the panel installation with him, and of course, our excitement about the HH props we were working on (the Mad Scientist, Frankenstein's monster platform) came up. He said that even though Solis was new, they "want to be a part of this." Again, we are grateful for their support this year. Their enjoyment and feedback at the sponsor's event were delightful!
Tahini's: The franchise partner, Parshant Pandya, and his family visited our Not-so-Spooky Haunted House in 2023. His youngest, quite the indomitable spirit, went through several times. I lost track after six or so. Despite only recently opening Tahini's, Parshant asked "how he could be a part of this." Everything was pretty much in hand, and it was a busy night, but we asked for his card to connect. They gave us a gift certificate for the 2023 Christmas Eye Spy and came on board as a candy sponsor for this year's HH! His little spitfire has been through at least six times on both visits so far this year. LOL
We are very grateful to all our sponsors, our amazing neighbours (who assist with running the event, hosting our vehicles, and hearing and seeing our creations in process), and all those who come to visit to support our creative, crazy adventure, helping lift community spirit even higher, and supporting the Airdrie Food Bank!
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