Thousands express themselves by being somebody — or something — else in collective expression of individuality

By Meg Wade for Ashland.news

Thousands of residents from across the Rogue Valley gaily garbed as ghosts, goblins, ghouls and assorted spectres, along with a casting director’s wildest dream of assorted cultural characters, packed downtown Ashland for the annual Halloween parade Friday afternoon. 

While the official start time was set for 3:45 p.m. in front of the Ashland Public Library, revelers were making their way up and down Main Street long before, searching for friends, taking pictures, and showing off their costumes.

The parade has been held for several decades. Officially known as the Ashland Chamber’s Children’s Halloween Celebration, the event draws all ages, with as many adults in costume as kids.

That included dozens of members of Audrey Flint’s “We Keep Dancing” classes for those 55 and older, who came together in neon pink and green wigs to dance their way down Main Street to “Monster Mash.”

Some Ashlanders have grown up going to the parade their whole life. 

“I think this is my 25th Halloween parade,” said Grace Johnson, dressed as Emily Elizabeth from the “Clifford” book series, next to Ben Fakler as Clifford. “It’s just part of the tradition, and a way to connect with the community.” 

Others were attending for the first time, such as Gale Canutt, a recent college graduate who just moved to Talent. Canutt was dressed as a death’s-head hawkmoth, a costume they made as a final project for a costume design course.

“Halloween is my favorite holiday and the first time I’ve lived in a town where there’s lots going on — I’m from a small farming town — so this is my dream,” Canutt shared.

“I love it! This is the best thing I’ve ever seen in my life,” said Lucia, another first-timer, who said she had just moved to Ashland and was working at Ashland Greenhouses. “I love Halloween, I love community events, and my boss let me close the store an hour early so I could make it on time.”

Many families showed up with a shared theme. Robyn of Ashland, dressed as Poison Ivy, was out with her children Ares and Ky, ages 5 and 6, who teamed up as Batman and Superman.

Luca and Oliver, brothers and students at Willow Wind Community Learning Center, were dressed as Indiana Jones and the boulder from which he escapes in the opening scene of “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” They were joined by their father, Sean, dressed in tweed and carrying a chalice as Henry Jones, Sr. in “The Last Crusade.” 

Other families were more focused on just being out together. Jose, at the parade with his three children, couldn’t remember the name of the cartoon character his son Jose Jr., age 10, had suggested for him, which involved a fuzzy aqua blue suit with purple spots. “I try to be here because they enjoy being in the parade,” he said, “and we do everything for them.” 

The many one-of-a-kind costumes may have drawn special attention, but there were lots of classics to be found, both new and old.

Erica Thompson and friend Lena Morris were both dressed as witches; Morris in classic black, Thompson with a “hippie” variation that featured brighter colors and bell bottoms.

Multiple variations of Bob Ross were spotted, some with brushes and an artist’s palette, and at least one with a full easel. 

There were enough Waldo costumes that Ashland residents Dave and Harold were playing “Where’s Waldo” while sitting next to the bus stop by the Ashland Plaza.

“We’ve seen 12 different Waldos,” said Dave.

Other costumes were less recognizable, and not all turned out quite as intended. 

“My wife wanted me to be a potato,” said Alex of Ashland, pointing to the round, cardboard middle on his torso. “Then we were trying to figure out what else it could be.” The end result included a cardboard mask and sword, and he dubbed himself a “cardboard gladiator.” 

“But the helmet kind of looks like a turban,” he said. “So I’m not sure.”

The event brought out the town’s photographers. Some perched on top of lampposts and benches with cell phone cameras, and others wandered through the crowd catching candids with more professional lenses.

“I love it, it’s so fun and funky,” said Paz, a visitor from Los Angeles who came to the parade to take photos.

Nick Walker of Ashland said he was just sitting at home when he saw people going by and thought, “I should grab my camera.” 

Walker said he focused on capturing photos of “spontaneous moments of joy,” and that there had been plenty of such moments at the parade.

“The level of spirit in this town,” he said, “and the number of people coming out is really special, and unexpectedly delightful.”

Others were just happy to watch, camera or no.

“It’s just cool seeing the diversity,” said Staci, a student at Southern Oregon University. “It’s the one day of the year everyone feels comfortable being themselves.”

Email Ashland resident and freelance journalist Meg Wade at [email protected].