TNA

Halloween is in the air!

The leaves are starting to change, and while across the United States that means the beginning of fall, in St. Helens it means it’s almost time for the town to be taken over by the Spirit of Halloweentown.

Each year around Halloween, the City of St. Helens is transformed into a Halloween lover’s heaven. Over the past 20 years, St. Helens has become a city steeped in Halloween tradition, and the signature month-long

event is an homage to two movies that were filmed in the town: Disney’s “Halloweentown” and the vampire-novelturned-movie “Twilight.”

Each year, the Riverfront District undergoes a Hallow-

een makeover, and downtown becomes decked out in spooky decorations that bring the Halloween spirit to life. Get your scare on and get out to St. Helens to be part of this annual holiday tradition!

2023’s Little Trick or Treaters Parade!

David Thornberry Publisher Jeremy C. Ruark Regional Executive Editor Will Lohre Associate Editor Jon Campbell Advertising Sales Kelli Nicholson Office Manager James Yang Creative Director Jon Lowrance Driver

KELLI NICHOLSON Country Media, Inc.

Chronicle photo

Chronicle photos

Spooky Special Attractions!

The following information has been taken directly from the event’s website, and the descriptions have been written by the event organizers. These events and dates are subject to change.

Special Attractions and Features Saturdays and Sundays. *Some weekday evenings

Every weekend there are special attractions going on. Please note the closing times so you do not miss out. Main attractions are generally not open after 5 p.m., although some are. Read on for details.

Some combination tickets include multiple attractions. There are also tickets sold individually that have limited capacity. These limitedcapacity tickets will likely be sold out in advance. Click the ticket tab to find out more about the activities and times available. These activities are not ADA accessible for all due to ground conditions and steps to location, stairs, and sand. Visit the pumpkin patch in October indoors at www.theplaygroundskatepark.org.

Sand Island Adventure Boat Ride, Big Foot Hunt, and If The Trees Could Talk & More- The last ride departs the island at 4:30 p.m.

Ride across the river on our cool new water shuttle to Sand Island. After disembarking, walk the nature path and see the incredible pumpkin carvings by Carving Artist Extraordinary Wade Lapp. Follow the trail, and you might meet a fairy or our resident Big Foot. Grab a selfie. Participate in our all-

ages scavenger hunt along the trails to find the faces in the trees, then treat yourself to a toasted marshmallow by the fire. Try your hand at our Ladder Challenge. Explore the island in the middle of the mighty Columbia River.

Whispers on the WaterThe last train at 4:30 p.m. leaves from the Riverfront at the South End of Strand Street

Whispers by the Water. Check-in with the driver and get a treat, then take the train for a ride along the river and check out the fun jokes along the way. At the end, you’ll

Spirit of Halloweentown parking and street closures

The following information is from the City of St. Helens.

Spirit of Halloweentown 2023 runs every weekend from September 16 through October 29, 2023. Visit https:// spiritofhalloweentown.com/ for the most up-to-date event information.

Street closures

On Saturdays and Sundays, the following streets will be closed:

• South 1st Street from St. Helens Street to Cowlitz Street

• Strand Street from the Plaza Square to Cowlitz Street

• The Plaza Square

Cowlitz Street will remain open to travel for residents only who live in that section

of the Riverfront District. We cannot guarantee parking spaces for individuals on public streets.

Note: These closures do not include The Big Halloween Parade route, which will take place on Saturday, October 7, 2023.

Event parking

Event parking is being staged at the St. Helens Industrial Business Park behind the St. Helens Recreation Center at 1810 Old Portland Road. A shuttle service will take event attendees to and from the Spirit of Halloweentown event area.

The Riverfront Property is not being used for Spirit of Halloweentown parking this year due to active construction taking place for the Streets and Utilities Extension Project.

find our Mermaids Sculpture, which has captured the hearts of young and old alike.

*Haunted HouseOpen to 8 p.m.

Come and check out our new additions that are sure to have you screaming for more! This has scary things inside and may not be suitable for all ages.

The Mermaids, Magical Unicorns, Alpacas & Dragons. 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Home to our resident Mermaid Una, our alpacas,

and now Magical Unicorns! You’ll be mesmerized by these beautiful creatures. Sit on our dragon bench and dream of ancient times.

*The Great Big Halloween Exhibit - 8 p.m. Halloween is now one of the most celebrated holidays in the world. We think it is a great thing to honor tradition. Inside the Big Tent, you’ll find a mix of traditional Halloween-style decorations and also the big symbols of Halloween that have lasted for generations. All ages can enjoy a stroll through this new addition and get a bit of

a nostalgic feeling of what makes this holiday such a huge tradition for millions.

*The Alien Interview and Museum of Peculiarities & Oddities Includes Blue Story Card. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

This new feature will be a “must-see” for anyone who has questions for our resident alien. We’ve been able to connect with an alien who has agreed to answer questions in this audiencebased attraction. The alien comes to us from a distant galaxy and will appear to us in a mind-blowing holodeck.

Lucky audience members

will be able to ask our alien direct questions and get the answers that they’ve been looking for. The alien experience begins with a chance to visit our tongue-in-cheek alien displays and listen to the various stories with your headsets after downloading our blue card app. This exclusive app is yours to keep. It also includes the stories from our exhibits in the Museum of Peculiarities and Oddities. This is a very limited attraction, so get your tickets early. ADA Access is limited to those who can ride our chair lift. Pets are allowed if carried.

Family Fun, Spooky Shuttle Ride - Lunch Mini Excursion. 11:30 - 2 p.m. last ride from uptown Limited seats and timesget your tickets now! Come aboard the Spooky Shuttle and travel uptown. Get some very special candy at a few select locations, and then grab a slice of Pizza (included) and consult the fortune ball while you enjoy each bite. You’ll see some cool decorated store windows, too. This is a great familyfriendly activity.

Nightmare on 4th Street and Decorated House Train Tour

Evenings - Limited. Boards at 231 St. Helens Street. St.Helens, OR 97051 West of the Plaza. Hop aboard and enjoy a little ride on our new Spirit of Halloweentown Train. Treat included. Take a little trip to some homes that are decorated in our city. Walk the street as you listen to audio of the homes you’ll get to see. Board the train back.

History of Halloweentown

Halloweentown is one of the biggest events of the year in St. Helens, and each year it draws tens of thousands of tourists and Halloween enthusiasts to the town on the banks of the Columbia River.

Halloweentown’s roots derive from the town’s presence on the silver screen, as the Historic Riverfront District provided the backdrop for Disney’s 1998 classic film “Halloweentown.”

Ever since then, the town has hosted annual events to bring people into the community and celebrate the spooky holiday in style.

Over the last several years, the festival has also hosted events in recognition of the city being a filming location for the first “Twilight” movie.

This year will feature a host of special guests, including members of the cast from

both Twilight and Halloweentown.

The Spirit of Halloweentown festival is regularly listed as a national destination spot for Halloween celebrations and has been featured on ABC News, MTV, Vogue, Entertainment Weekly, BuzzFeed, Country Living, Huffington Post, and many other recognized news outlets.

About the St. Helens Community

St. Helens is a Columbia River community rich with history and culture. On their expedition to the Pacific Ocean in 1805, Lewis and Clark made a stop in what is now St. Helens.

In 1850, Captain H.M. Knighton of New England founded the town, which was first named Plymouth before being rechristened within a year to St. Helens for the town’s magnificent view of Mount St. Helens. Originally established as a riverport, St.

Helens is located 30 miles northwest of Portland. As the county seat, it is the largest community in Columbia County, with a population of almost 15,000.

Many of the city’s community events are held in the historical Riverfront District, where visitors and residents enjoy an expansive view of the Columbia River, Mount Hood, and Mount St. Helens.

Originally settled by New England loggers, St. Helens’ basalt rock quarry, timber, and shipbuilding were major industries in the early 1900s, earning the town the nickname of “Paycheck City.”

Because of the industrial operations occurring in St. Helens and its location on the Columbia River, it rivaled Portland as a competing port city. After an unfortunate fire burned the docks of Pacific Mail, a team of Portland businessmen persuaded Pacific Mail to locate in the new port town of Portland, establishing the port of Portland as the dominant port in

the region.

The Riverfront District of St. Helens features a Nationally Registered Historic District encompassing 10 blocks, which includes residences and civic buildings dating back nearly a century. The town has also served as the backdrop to several popular films, most notably the Disney Channel television film “Halloweentown,” and the film adaptation of Stephanie Meyer’s novel “Twilight.”

The City of St. Helens is currently overseeing a Waterfront Redevelopment Project. The project aims to reclaim almost 280 acres of formerly industrial riverfront property to serve the community in new ways. Phase One of the Streets and Utilities Extension Project is currently under construction with Riverwalk Project Phase One groundbreaking anticipated to occur in late 2023. Learn more about the St. Helens Waterfront Redevelopment Project at www.sthelensoregon.gov/waterfront.

Chronicle photo

Chronicle photo

EVENT GUIDE

This year offers a variety of fun and spooky opportunities to those who attend Halloweentown in St. Helens this fall.

The following schedule has been taken directly from the event’s website, and the descriptions have been written by the event organizers. These events and dates are subject to change. View the entire schedule with links at spiritofhalloweentown.com.

Weekday Parking:

Parking is free and available throughout town. Head to S 1st Street St. Helens, OR 97051, and you’ll find parking available in City Lots. All parking is free on weekdays.

Weekend Parking:

$15 paid parking off Old Portland Road. Purchase your online ticket in advance and save $5. Onsite cash parking is $20. Put 1810 Old Portland Road, St. Helens, OR 97051, into your map, and you’ll find the entrance of our new parking location. There, you will take our shuttle to Spirit of Halloweentown. You may ride the shuttle anytime once you are parked in the lot.

The weekend parking lot opens at 9:45 a.m. Please do not park in residential neighborhoods or roadsides; our citizens need to be able to park at their homes, and your cooperation is appreciated.

Blocking driveways or parking anywhere requiring permits without permit placards can result in being towed or ticketed. Designated permitted lots not in the main parking lot are patrolled.

ADA parking is available on the street, and we will make those locations available once your general parking ticket is purchased online.

ADA: Attractions and areas may not be accessible due to weather, ground conditions, building restrictions, and general location. Please check attraction descriptions and recommendations for details. Sand Island is not ADA-compliant due to the general wooded area.

Pets: No animal may be off leash or not in the owner’s control. Any disruptive pet, including ones that are barking, will be politely asked to go home or remain in a vehicle as appropriate. Well-behaved, non-barking dogs on leash are welcome. Please note that some attractions may not allow pets, and it will be stated if this is the case.

Special dates to consider when joining us at Spirit of Halloweentown:

Sept. 16-17 Twilight Weekend

We are honored to receive our famous guests to the activities. Peter Facinelli, a.k.a. Dr. Cullen, Jackson Rathbone, a.k.a. Jasper, and Maggie Grace, a.k.a. Irena, visit both days for autographs, photos, and more. Tickets are available to secure your spot. Sept. 16 is Matt Baker Comedy Show who will have you crying tears of laughter at 12:30 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 17 IZohnny IZohnny returns to dazzle you 12:30 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 23-24 Hocus Pocus Weekend

Did you like the movie Hocus Pocus 2? We are celebrating all that makes this a Halloween Favorite. Dress in costume and compete in our special sisters costume contest at the same times as our regularly scheduled costume contest Saturday & Sunday at 1:45 p.m. We have some amazing doppelgangers coming, so be prepared to get some fun selfies. Special prizes will be handed out throughout the day.

Sept. 24 Leapin Louie

presents Leapin Louie, who will wrangle your imaginations 12:30 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 30 Mayor’s Election for Mayor of Spirit of Halloweentown

Who will be Mayor of Spirit of Halloweentown? Vote your favorite as they vie for your signature with fun activities and more. Pumpkin Lighting at 7 p.m. with Mayor Elect and other guests.

Sept. 30 IZohnny IZohnny will dazzle your senses at 12:30 & 3:30 on both Saturday & Sunday.

Oct. 1

2023 HALLOWEEN

EVENT GUIDE

This year offers a variety of fun and spooky opportunities to those who attend Halloweentown in St. Helens this fall.

The following schedule has been taken directly from the event’s website, and the descriptions have been written by the event organizers. These events and dates are subject to change. View the entire schedule with links at spiritofhalloweentown.com.

Oct. 06 House of the Twisted and Bizarre presented by Beaver Home Grange #518

6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Walk through haunted house. There is full scare and no scare depending on age. This is a no touch haunted house and is family friendly. Also available, kids’ games, Bingo, snacks for sale, and meals to buy. $6/adults, $4/ages 6-10, and free for kids under 6. Pumpkin Lighting at 7 p.m. with Mayor Elect and other guests.

Oct. 07 House of the Twisted and Bizarre presented by Beaver Home Grange #518

6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Walk through haunted house. There is full scare and no scare depending on age. This is a no touch haunted house and is family friendly. Also available, kids’ games, Bingo, snacks for sale, and meals to buy. $6/adults, $4/ages 6-10, and free for kids under 6.

“The Big Halloween Parade” at 6:30 p.m. The parade is brought to you by Heather Epperly, Agency of American Family Insurance. Pumpkin Lighting at 7:30 p.m. Daytime activities include special guests as follows: 1:45 p.m. Game Day Zombies: a special Halloweentown performance by members of the St. Helens High School Cheer Team. 2 p.m. Performance by Oregon City Childrens Theater.

Oct. 7 - 8 Circus Luminescence Performance Team 12:30 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 14 House of the Twisted and Bizarre presented by Beaver Home Grange #518

6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Walk through haunted house. There is full scare and no scare depending on age. This is a no touch haunted house and is family friendly. Also available, kids’ games, Bingo, snacks for sale, and meals to buy. $6/adults, $4/ages 6-10, and free for kids under 6.

“The Haunted Hot Rods”

Start your engines and join the fun 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Game Day Zombies: a special Halloweentown performance by members of the St. Helens High School Cheer Team 1:45 p.m. followed by King and Queen of Halloween Children & Family Parade at 2 p.m. Dress in costume, join our merry little parade and receive treats at Courthouse Plaza.

Oct. 14 - 15 Terra Zerra

The strongest woman on earth! 12:30 & 3:30 and Coupe de Foudre strolling entertainment.

Oct. 20 House of the Twisted and Bizarre presented by Beaver Home Grange #518

6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Walk through haunted house. There is full scare and no scare depending on age. This is a no touch haunted house and is family friendly. Also available, kids’ games, Bingo, snacks for sale, and meals to buy. $6/adults, $4/ages 6-10, and free for kids under 6.

Oct. 21 D23 presents 25 years of Disney Halloweentown

Watch the movie Halloweentown in Halloweentown at the original movie location - details at http://www.D23.com and click on events for all the details. Once in a lifetime is this October!

House of the Twisted and Bizarre presented by Beaver Home Grange #518

6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Walk through haunted house. There is full scare and no scare depending on age. This is a no touch haunted house and is family friendly. Also available, kids’ games, Bingo, snacks for sale, and meals to buy. $6/adults, $4/ages 6-10, and free for kids under 6.

Oct. 21 - 22 25th Anniversary Celebration of Halloweentown Movie

It’s been 25 years, and this is going to be super special with guests from Halloweentown, including: “Sophie, Dylan, Luke and Marnie.” Paid Photos and Autographs from the ticket site at http://www.spiritofhalloweentown.com. Rys Thomas and Coupe de Foudre strolling entertainment.

Oct. 21 - 23 Columbia Arts Guild “Harvest of Arts Sale” Offering Halloween arts and crafts. Open noon to 6 p.m. Wild Currant, 201 S. 1st, St. Helens, Oregon.

Oct. 28

EVENT GUIDE

The following schedule has been taken directly from the event’s website, and the descriptions have been written by the event organizers. These events and dates are subject to change. View the entire schedule with links at spiritofhalloweentown.com.

Oct. 27 House of the Twisted and Bizarre presented by Beaver Home Grange #518

6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Walk through haunted house. There is full scare and no scare depending on age. This is a no touch haunted house and is family friendly. Also available, kids’ games, Bingo, snacks for sale, and meals to buy. $6/adults, $4/ages 6-10, and free for kids under 6.

Oct. 28 House of the Twisted and Bizarre presented by Beaver Home Grange #518

6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Walk through haunted house. There is full scare and no scare depending on age. This is a no touch haunted house and is family friendly. Also available, kids’ games, Bingo, snacks for sale, and meals to buy. $6/adults, $4/ages 6-10, and free for kids under 6.

Oct. 28 - 29

Witches Celebration, Witches on the Water, and Beer Fest Loads of witches throughout the day will jump into town here and there. Enjoy the fun, including Ursula, Maleficent, The Wicked Witch, Glenda the Good Witch, Ariel, and others.

Witches on the Water Weekend is extra special, with our paddling witches floating down the river on their boards. It’s a famous spectacle we are honored to receive. Fun music in the plaza in the evenings and beer and after-hours party. See tickets for special offerings. ***Developing events - The Ghouls Gambol Rally will bring an all treats and no tricks Halloween Car Rally and outing. Prizes for top finishers and best decorated cars. Cars begin to arrive at 1:30 p.m.

For details, visit https://fb.me/e/6NNNeVDpj.

Rally website: https://www.cascadegeargrinders.org/ghouls-gam bol-2023.html.

Facebook event: https://fb.me/e/HbJzX6zx.

MSR event registration: http://msreg.com/CSCCGG23.

The Original

The Little Trick or Treaters Parade

It’s kids, costumes, and a whole lot of fun. For over 100 years, The Chronicle has sponsored a children’s parade. This year will be no different. Once again, The Chronicle is partnering with St. Helens Grocery Outlet. The Little Trick or Treaters Parade will be held at 1 p.m. on 1st Street in St. Helens. Line up begins at 12:30 p.m. at the corner of 1st Street and St. Helens Street. Bring a bag to hold your candy. For questions, please call Kelli at 503-397-0116. Hope to see you there!

Terra Zerra

The strongest woman on earth! 12:30 & 3:30 and Coupe de Foudre strolling entertainment.

Strong Woman 12:30 & 3:30 p.m.

Leapin Louie Strolls the crowd.

Oct. 29 Leaping Louie 12:30 p.m. & 3:30 p.m. Leaping Louie and Rys Thomas strolls the crowd.

Oct. 29 5th Annual Trunk or Treat by Hometown Pizza

Nov. 5

1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at 109 E A Street Plaza, Rainier, Oregon. There will be raffles and prizes for costumes and best decorated vehicles. This event is free. Any vehicle is welcomed to show up an hour before the event to decorate their vehicle. Please bring your own candy to hand out. For questions, please contact Nina Pogue at 503-556-3700.

Oct. 31 House of the Twisted and Bizarre presented by Beaver Home Grange #518

6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Walk through haunted house. There is full scare and no scare depending on age. This is a no touch haunted house and is family friendly. Also available, kids’ games, Bingo, snacks for sale, and meals to buy. $6/adults, $4/ages 6-10, and free for kids under 6.

restaurant equipment, tools, antique tools, antique tools, wooden pulleys, approx. 1000 lb in chain, chairs,

Christmas decoration, equipment, antiques, Avon Cape Cod, lots of books. Something for all.

Gigantic St. Helens Estate Sale

Sept. 16-17 from 9-4. Ford engines & parts, small block and big block, intakes and exhaust manifolds, engine cylinder heads, high performance parts new & used, 9 inch

Ford rear end parts, 1966 Convertible Mustang

V8, 4 old