Fall is my favorite time of year. Gone are the days of blistering heat and overworked air conditioners. We are now in the season of scarves, crockpot meals, and rewatching episodes of the Gilmore Girls. I am even drinking a Pumpkin Spice Latte as I write this. It is also the beginning of the holiday season.
Something I’ve always loved is how Halloween kicks things off. Dressing up in fun costumes, taking the kids trick-or-treating, and going to haunted houses is a fun departure from the daily grind. Seeing these celebrations through the eyes of our children is what really creates these special moments.
Many important values are obtained from the holidays. On one end, they will learn the beauty of tradition and family, while on the other end, they will learn helpful life skills. For example, trick-or-treating teaches young people how to properly and patiently wait for candy, all while utilizing their please and thank yous. Fortunately, there are many wonderful, family-friendly Halloween celebrations throughout Oregon. One of these events is very much worth attending in the quaint town of McMinnville.
“Fall” Into Historic Downtown is McMinnville’s annual Halloween celebration, which is great for the entire family. Throughout the entire month of October, various Halloween celebrations and decorations will be held throughout the town. There is nothing better than when towns fully commit to the holiday season, as it creates a strong sense of community while also providing friendly entertainment.
Scarecrows on a Lamp Post is a neat premise in which homemade scarecrows are adorned on lamp posts along the streets. Some of these scarecrows are scary, some are funny, and some are odd. The goal of these scarecrows is to create a lighthearted, festive atmosphere for the community to engage in, and it is really awesome to see the unique designs.
Something cool about this is that you feel almost immersed in a little Halloween village. Between the scarecrows lining the streets and the decorations from businesses and houses, you will easily fall into the spirit of things.
There is also a Spooky Coloring Contest for children. The coloring page can be printed off from their website (link above) or picked up at a number of local spots, such as the McMinnville Library. Once the page has been colored, it can be submitted to the McMinnville Downtown Association (105 NE 3rd St.). Winners will be announced on October 31st, and prizes will be given. This is a great way to not only have some Halloween fun but also to participate in the community.
Third Street will be completely shut down for trick-or-treating on Halloween day, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. This is a fun, safe way for kids to wear one of their favorite Halloween outfits and go trick-or-treating with friends. An awesome element to this is that almost exclusively local businesses are opening their doors to hand out candy. This will surely be a memorable experience for everyone who participates.
While in McMinnville, you and the family could also pop over to McMenamins Hotel Oregon, which is located right on Third Street. Their lodging is terrific if you are joining from out of town or only want to make a full night out of it. But even if you need to get the family some dinner, their restaurant inside the hotel is top-notch. Some food items on their menu include Battered Tillamook Cheese Curds, The Grand Reuben, and a robust Kid’s Menu. Additionally, there is a charming rooftop bar for adults not on child duty.
I think it is also worth mentioning Serendipity Ice Cream on Third Street. From ice cream to espresso, their flavors are more than worth taking the time to enjoy. I first had their cream several years ago and am pretty sure that it has since forever lived subconsciously in my mind.
It can sometimes feel overwhelming during the holiday season, especially when you have children. What is important to keep in mind is to prioritize events that are most important to your family. Passing up on parties that might stretch you too thin is okay. Celebrations are meant to be enjoyed. Plus, focusing on activities that matter most is a reliable way to ensure your kids maximize their fun.
Celebrating Halloween in McMinnville will be a wonderful experience for the entire family. There is plenty to see and do there, making it yet another perfect way to take part in the holidays. I could go on and on about how fun holiday activities are, but I just finished my pumpkin spice latte, so I’d better end it here. Enjoy the spooky season, and make sure to keep an eye out for some handmade scarecrows in McMinnville.
Alex is a devoted husband and father born and raised in Portland, Oregon. He is a professional artist, author, and advisor for both Yale and Harvard University’s arts departments. His books, ‘Selling Leonardo: The Art World’s Greatest Scandal’ and ‘Holy Ghost: Decoding Leonardo da Vinci’s Final Painting’ are available wherever books are sold.