What is the "Halloweentown" celebration in St. Helens, Oregon?

The "Halloweentown" celebration is an annual event in St. Helens, Oregon that transforms the town into a spooky, Halloween-themed destination, attracting thousands of visitors each October.

How do the locals of St. Helens feel about the "Halloweentown" celebration?

The locals of St. Helens have mixed feelings about the "Halloweentown" celebration. While some embrace the event for the joy and economic boost it brings, others object to it on religious grounds, believing it celebrates "the devil's birthday."

What measures does St. Helens take to monitor the "Halloweentown" celebrations?

The director of the local haunted house in St. Helens explains that the town has set up a surveillance system in the town square and around the vending machines to monitor for any mischief or theft during the "Halloweentown" celebrations.

Home / Lifestyle / Halloweentown Divides Oregon Town: Locals Clash Over Annual Spooky Celebration

Halloweentown Divides Oregon Town: Locals Clash Over Annual Spooky Celebration

31 Oct, 2025

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Summary

Halloweentown celebration in St. Helens, Oregon has grown from 100 to 60,000 visitors
Some locals love the event for the joy and economic boost, others object for religious reasons
Surveillance cameras monitor for mischief and theft during the festivities

Halloweentown Divides Oregon Town: Locals Clash Over Annual Spooky Celebration

As of October 31st, 2025, the annual Halloweentown celebration in St. Helens, Oregon has become a deeply divisive issue within the local community. What started 13 years ago as a small gathering of around 100 people has now grown into a massive event that attracts 60,000 visitors each October.

For many locals, the Halloweentown tradition is a beloved source of joy and community pride. The self-proclaimed "Queen of Halloweentown" explains that the event has evolved from humble beginnings, with just a pumpkin and some corn stalks, into a full-fledged celebration complete with costumes, decorations, and a thriving local economy. "There's nothing I enjoy more than wandering around Halloweentown in my gigantic dress with a crown that hurts my head, and making other people happy," she shares.