obviously this is a phenomenom which will no doubt trickle down to the provinces in due course
when november 1st is part of a long weekend then it is unlikely that people will get together for halloween. the whole weekend is based on visiting the graveside.
i can't imagine many of the older folk visiting a cemetery on october 31st and then allowing their offspring to go and party.
i have seen pumpkins used in recent years. it never caught on though.
the culture of november 1st (and the days around it) is too strong for halloween to succeed. at least at the moment.