When it premiered in 1998, Disney’s Halloweentown captured our hearts, quickly becoming a holiday classic to watch with the whole family year after year. And it turns out, we’re not the only fanatics obsessed with the four part series: St. Helens, Oregon, the city where much of the original movie was filmed has its own “Halloweentown” celebration each year.
This month long festival kicks off on October 1, transforming the town into a scene straight off of your television screen. This year, Kimberly J. Brown, who played Marnie, will even be returning to help St. Helens come alive with holiday spirit. The town boasts beautiful fall foliage, but seeing the same giant pumpkin from Halloweentown recreated in front of city hall will really take your breath away.
Naturally, the thing we’re most stoked about is the snacks. While various vendors will be offering up traditional fall eats like nachos, homemade cakes and pies, caramel apples, chili, chowder, and, of course, halloween candy, there are also other food-centric events like an International Cheese Display and Charcuterie Selection on October 8th, Bloody Mary’s and Bagels with Marnie on October 9th, a Bloody BBQ on October 15th, and Halloween Cake Decorating and an I Scream Social on October 22nd
Additionally, festivities include activities for all ages such as a masquerade ball, haunted tractor rides, and a scarecrow contest. But if there’s one event we won’t be missing, it’s the giant pumpkin lighting on October 8th.
And while we wish we had a witchy grandmother like Debbie Reynolds to fly us there, the celebration is the perfect excuse for a fall getaway. So if you’re already planning your Halloween costumes and pinning pumpkin decorating ideas, now is the perfect time to book your trip to this spirited town.