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Richmond’s mobile haunted show scared off by COVID restrictions

The "haunted tow truck'' show, scheduled to hit the roads in Richmond on Halloween night, has been scared off because it failed to meet the strict COVID-19 guidelines.
Richmond’s mobile haunted show scared off by COVID restrictions_0
The "haunted tow truck'' show will be moved online this year. Photo submitted

The "haunted tow truck'' show, scheduled to hit the roads in Richmond on Halloween night, has been scared off because it failed to meet the strict COVID-19 guidelines.

Jonny So, owner of Richmond-based Jonny's Towing and Recovery, told the Richmond News last week how he planned to set up a free mobile show to make Halloween for Richmond kids and families, despite the pandemic all but killing off the annual fun.

So has planned to take his mobile tow truck show to several spots around Richmond, including public parking lots.

However, he has been told by the City of Richmond that the issue is "in compliance with the Provincial Public Health Orders that gatherings and events cannot occur anywhere in B.C unless a strict series of requirements are met."

City spokesperson Clay Adams said the city commends So for his enthusiasm, but public health and safety remains paramount and any event must comply with public health orders. 

"Unfortunately, Mr. So did not contact the City to ask if his mobile Halloween truck would comply with these and other health orders before investing time, effort and resources into it," read a statement from the city. 

"Had Mr. So contacted the City or considered the Provincial public health requirements prior to creating and promoting his mobile display, he would have been better able to understand and make decisions as to whether to proceed or not."

So who spent the last two months working on the show and is disappointed, as he’s spent more than $4,000 from his savings and even turned down some businesses to prepare for the event. 

However, he said it doesn't mean the show comes to an end, as he’s decided to move it online and will keep people updated with the progress.