October 28, 2024 3:05 a.m.

Roseburg’s Neewollah parade is happening Thursday night.

A city release said hundreds of costumed tricksters are expected to prowl the pavement in the downtown area. Captain Jack Sparrow will return with his Black Pearl pirate ship and dancing witches will shake their broomsticks. Other Halloween themed groups are expected.

Roseburg Fright Club will conjure up, “Kids Spooky Ally” inside the Roseburg Elks Lodge on Southeast Jackson Avenue from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Admission is $1 per person. A scarier “Funhouse of Horror” is offered from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Neewollah is Halloween spelled backwards! The monster tradition was first held on October 31st, 1933. The event has been held every year since then with a few exceptions: during World War II and in 2020 and 2021 during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, when virtual parades and costume contests were held. Neewollah resumed in 2022 to help celebrate Roseburg’s Sesquicentennial, its 150th birthday.

The parade is being organized by former city councilor Stacey Crowe to promote downtown and fun, and as a way to give businesses an opportunity to thank the community by giving out candy to trick-or-treaters. Crowe has been involved with the event since shortly after moving to Roseburg in the 1990s.

Costumed participants will gather at 4:45 p.m. on Southeast Jackson Street at Southeast Douglas Avene. The parade will begin at 5:00 p.m.