Editors Note: Check the bottom of the story for new spooky locations coming in!
Hillsboro is known for a lot of things. Celebrating Halloween is not one of them, at least not beyond the norm. Our neighbors to the North in St Helens, Oregon, lead the way regionally with a 45-day celebration that draws hundreds of thousands to Halloweentown. The historic downtown on the mighty Columbia River is transformed into a spooky and fun experience that celebrates known haunted locations and the movies Halloweentown and Twilight that were filmed there. See https://spiritofhalloweentown.com/schedule/ for that schedule.
Have a look at today’s fun in Halloweentown!
Having said that, Hillsboro is getting increasingly into the groove of the annual holiday. Last year, thousands came to downtown Hillsboro for a fun day of candy and creepy fun. On October 28th, 2023, the Hillsboro Downtown Partnership and local merchants will host an entertaining event that will delight all who attend. Here is the information:
Halloween in Downtown Hillsboro is an annual trick-or-treating event and in 2023, it will be on Saturday, October 28th, 2023. There will be two parts to this event. Trick or Treat on Main St. from 3:00-6:00 pm is the family friendly portion of the event and 7-10p will be the Halloween in Downtown Hillsboro Block Party. Hillsboro Downtown Partnership has partnered with Downtown businesses, local schools, and more to provide spooky music, performances, special appearances, and a haunted house or two along a very festive route. Please visit https://www.downtownhillsboro.org/halloween/ for more details.
That will be one fun day for young and old. Last year, there were booths, food, vendors, and lots of kids and adults in costumes. It was a glorious day, and people were talking. This year should be even bigger and better. Parking can be an issue, so park nearby and walk in, bike in, or take the MAX.
Here are some photos from last year.
Several local merchants are geared up with cool things for the season. One of them is Le Stuff Antique Mall on Main Street. 
Jeff Sandy and crew have several displays with a lot of vintage items to help celebrate the season. I saw some tremendous vintage orange pumpkins that lit up that caught my interest, and there was a lot more to choose from. Go check them out and see what you can grab for your Halloween!
Across the City, other shops and stores are gearing up, and hey, this is most definitely a time of year where commercial opportunities exist. One shop that is in Halloween mode all year long is Through The Veil. Located in the old Orenco Mercantile, this shop, one of the most unique you will ever enter, describes itself as follows:
A retail shop that specializes in Wicca, Witchcraft Supplies, Fashion, Jewelry, and Oddities. We are located in Hillsboro Oregon, 20mins from Portland.
If there is a store more committed to Halloween, I want to see it. In the past 45 days, the building has been transformed into a truly scary destination. Living nearby, I can attest that this place is more fun than scary. Daily, I see at least 50 groups stopping by to see the witches, skeletons, and a pumpkin king guarding the entries. Skeletons, witches, and spooky phantoms are on the building. Two skeletons at least 10 feet high with interactive eyes stare down onto the street below. Courtney-Pheils Hesse and August Hesse created this store, and a community of supporters has sprung up around them. They have spent a fortune repairing and essentially saving one of the last great historical icons in Hillsboro (Orenco) and are to be thanked. There are events at the fire cauldron out back, every form of oddity, a book club, and more. This place is a destination to take the kids and your selves for a quick and fun stop at Hillsboro’s newest spooky place! Check out our pics:
I have only mentioned a few places. And I know many of you have your favorite spots. Many hardworking locals have been hard at work decorating, turning their homes and garages into something extraordinary. PLEASE POST YOUR ADDRESSES and locations below, and we will amend our story to include them. Use the Comments section below or email hillsboroherald@gmail.com
UPDATE: Out on Meek Road (27910 NW Meek Road) just East of the Jackson School Road intersection, Shawn and Tami Bowlby and their neighbors have put up a fantastic display that is starting to gain some real buzz- go out and park and get some selfies and videos of this incredible display. LIGHTS ARE ON FROM 7-10 PM! There is a lot to see there. But be prepared to be SCARED!
