Photos: Seasons On Ravenwood Deploying Pirate Ghost Ship For One More Halloween After Receiving Multiple Complaints

The Seasons on Ravenwood’s famed ghost pirate ship is making one more appearance this Halloween for trick-or-treaters to explore the front-yard exhibit before being permanently retired due to anonymous complaints.

Jenn and Braden Glasbergen entertaining a first-time Halloweener during the ghost pirate ship's last year. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The closure was announced by Jenn and Braden Glasbergen, who run Seasons on Ravenwood.

The couple put out four extravagant seasonal displays a year which include a dinosaur park, Easter, Halloween and Christmas display on their front lawn on 1723 Ravenwood Dr.

The decision to retire the pirate ship came after the Glasbergens received numerous threats and warnings of legal action for the displays allegedly being a safety hazard.

“We've decided that given some of the comments that we received, it's time to move on from the pirate ship,” explained Braden.

While the couple has received overwhelming support for the good the displays have done, the Glasbergens refuse to deal with the negativity affiliated with the display.

“We know that there's not a lot of teeth to it but it's just aggravation that nobody wants to deal so we're decided that the time is appropriate for us to hang it up for the pirate ship,” said Braden.

According to Glasbergens, they received messages claiming their decorations cause traffic hazards since they are a distraction and could result in vehicular accidents.

“We've done all we could with it as safe as possible when people come to visit it but a lot of comments we've been receiving is people on the way to the pirate ship, there are concerns around the traffic on Ravenwood and people might be getting hit,” said Braden.

Signs and flags — including a 15-footer visible from Parkhill Road — have been posted to help notify traffic to slow down. Posters are also plastered throughout the display to ensure safety when visitors are touring through the exhibit.

One of the many safety and rules signs posted throughout the property. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Initially, they decided not to put the pirate ship on display after complaints back in June. Overwhelming support persuaded the family to put up the pirate ship again in a Facebook post in late August. It also gave the community one last chance to take photos, videos and create memories with the ship before it gets permanently sidelined.

“There's been such an outpouring of support for the ship and the community loves it. The people who do love it, love it a lot,” said Braden. “We've talked to our town councillor Matt Crowley, who's been fielding a lot of calls in support of the pirate ship and he's brought those positive reinforcements forward and the neighbours have a great time with it.”

The public is invited to visit the pirate ship until it gets taken down during the first week of November. The family continues collecting food or monetary donations to support St. Vincent de Paul, which they have been doing since running Seasons on Ravenwood four years ago while the ship is on display.

After the ship has run its course, it will change ownership as the Glasbergens have sold it to an out-of-town buyer.

Jenn and Braden say they have loved and appreciated the community’s support over the years and will not forget the positivity given to them over the last four years.

“It's overwhelming, the positive support that we get,” said Braden. The fact that we've reached that many people, that we've touched that many people just because we wanted to put up some seasonal displays and have a little bit of fun. It's been a great outpouring that way.”

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Seasons on Ravenwood Holiday Displays Close Permanently

The Glasbergen’s announced that the public holiday displays on their Ravenwood Drive property are coming to an end, citing the difficulty with navigating “mean spirited complaints” from community members.

photo by david tuan bui.

“When we started Seasons on Ravenwood it was during a difficult time for most, as we were all navigating through COVID,” the Glasbergen’s outlined in a statement on Facebook. “There was nowhere to visit and we wanted to provide a safe and small place to take little ones. We never dreamed it would become as big and widespread as it did.”

The family goes on to address the comments they’ve received regarding their Pirate Ship and Christmas displays at their home on Ravenwood (1723 Ravenwood Dr.)

“The saying goes “one bad apple spoils the bunch” and I wish it was only one. It is getting harder to navigate through the mean spirited complaints and missions of the individuals who would like to see our “junk yard” displays removed,” the statement continues. “We want to thank all the people who have supported, written and spoke kind words, and who donated hundreds of pounds of food for our local food banks! For that, we are eternally grateful.”

Braden and Jenn Glasbergen continue to stress the importance of supporting local food banks in the community.

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Here's Pictures From Path Of Destruction A Truck Left On Ravenwood Drive Last Night

All the neighbours up on Ravenwood/Wildlark in the west end are talking about the damage a driver did on their street last night. According to the police report, an erratic driver behind the wheel of a truck at around 9:30 p.m. damaged up to 20 lawns, struck 2 vehicles, a light pole, and 2 utility poles. He also knocked down trees. Total damages are in the neighbourhood of $50,000. A 48-year-old man has been charged with Impaired Driving, Dangerous Operation and Fail to Remain. Thank goodness no one was injured.

One of the damaged vehicles

 

[pictures by PtboCanada's Christi Morton]

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