The 2009 version of the Halloween-O was a last minute addition to the NEOC schedule, and nearly a last minute cancellation as well. After fumbling through a crash course in 0CAD to make many of the myriad changes warranted by the state of the existing map, the organizationally and technologically challenged meet director found himself on the evening before the event unable to convert the course files into a format compatible with the resources of the locally available printing facilities. A frantic round of phone calls initially failed to solve the dilemma, leaving the future of the event very much in question. Fortunately for all concerned, the pleas for help ultimately reached Bob Dangel, who graciously set aside his plans for the evening and was able to manipulate the files sufficiently to print the updated map and courses.

The day of the event was unseasonably warm and somewhat blustery. Given the limited advertisement, it was perhaps not surprising that the event was attended predominantly by more serious rather than recreational orienteers. Indeed, with only a handful of youthful attendees, there was hardly a dent in the cauldron of candy at the GO control. For the most part, the event ran smoothly, although the strong wind did take its toll on the Yellow control which was hung at the highest point along the power cut. Sincerest apologies are offered to the Shapiro children attempting to navigate the Yellow course on their own for the first time who quite understandably could not find the 8th control.

My parents, sister, and, for the first time, my two children, along with Pia and Mark Webb, skillfully handled the Registration, Start and Finish areas, while Joanne Sankus, Jason Tong and Caroline Fleming all lent invaluable impromptu assistance. Jim Paschetto stayed late to help collect the controls. As usual, all of these contributions were greatly appreciated. And, at the risk of being excessive, let me be sure to thank Bob Dangel once again for coming to my rescue and salvaging the event at the last moment.

The results are listed below, including costume bonuses in parentheses. The meet director was very amused by the outfits of Tim Parson (as the meet director in his trademark tattered purple shirt) and Lori Huberman and Presto (as Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf). Costume bonuses were awarded by my sister at the start table, and in the opinion of the meet director, may have been a little stingy. Nevertheless, the meet director feels that any adjustment to the bonuses would be inappropriate at this time.