October 16, 2025 3:05 a.m. 

Roseburg’s Neewollah Parade is set to return for Halloween on Friday, October 31st.

A city release said the event will bring dancing witches, plenty of candy, Captain Jack Sparrow and the Black Pearl pirate ship downtown for a haunting good time.

Roseburg’s Neewollah Parade is believed to be the longest-running in the country. Roseburg began this monster tradition in 1933 when Neewollah – Halloween spelled backwards – was a national phenomenon. The city has held it nearly every year since – aside from a few years during World War II and two years during the COVID-19 pandemic – when virtual parades and costume contests were held instead.

This year, downtown Roseburg’s Southeast Jackson Street promises many an eerie sight when the event organized by former Roseburg City Councilor Stacey Crowe, and sponsored by the City of Roseburg, begins at 5:00 p.m.

Starting around 4:30 p.m. hundreds of costumed tricksters of all ages will gather near the intersection of Jackson Street and Southeast Douglas Avenue. Businesses, the City of Roseburg and the Douglas County Juvenile Department will give out candy.

In addition, about 8 to 10 Roseburg Area Dancing Witches plan to perform to a number of songs, including a version of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”.

For more information on City of Roseburg events, go to: www.cityofroseburg.org