If you've ever wanted to be part of a parade, Ashland will give you the chance. The

draws more than kids in costumes to stroll down East Main Street; adults and dogs also jump into the action, swelling the procession to 5,000 revelers, disguised in clever makeup and original outfits.



WATCH: Oregonian Facebook Live of the start of the parade at 3:45 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31.

Ashland Police officer Steve MacLennan

Ashland police officers wearing rubbery pig noses and the Samba Like It Hot band launch the loose line of super heroes and starlets, monsters and men-in-drag, goblins and goonies. The props are worthy of this Southern Oregon city known for theater.

When you see the Ashland High School Drumline at the end of the 20-minute-long spooky stream, we'll try to catch up with people wearing the best costumes as they wander from the Ashland Public Library to the downtown Plaza.

Here, merchants hand out trick-or-treat candies, the Ashlandia Witch Dance Party at Tree House Books welcomes families and spooky science will be demonstrated with dry ice at ScienceWorks Hands-on Museum's Oak Street pop-up station.



A throng of zombie-like Ashland Danceworks performers will stomp to the beat of "Thriller" on Pioneer Street near Oregon Shakespeare Festival stages. And the Ashland Chamber of Commerce, which produces the annual parade, will open up a free photo booth.

There's barely an unoccupied inch of space as everyone pools around the Plaza, but no one complains. It may rain, but even that doesn't dampen the fun. Just beware: The demarcation between spectators and parade participants is fluid. You might get pulled into the moving display.

"It's all-encompassing and everyone is welcome," says Kelsey Frantz, projects and special events coordinator with the Ashland Chamber of Commerce and Travel Ashland.

—Janet Eastman | 503-294-4072

jeastman@oregonian.com