Neewollah Parade Returns to Downtown Roseburg on Oct 31

ROSEBURG, Ore. – Downtown Roseburg is set to host its traditional Neewollah event this Halloween. The costume parade, which began on Oct. 31, 1933, has been a longstanding Roseburg tradition. The event made a significant comeback last year during Roseburg’s Sesquicentennial. Local businesses and the City of Roseburg will distribute candy, and there will be entertaining performances, including from local dance groups. Another highlight will be Captain Jack Sparrow and the Black Pearl pirate ship, adding a touch of fantasy to the festivities. Douglas Avenue will remain open to traffic this year. The parade will commence at 5 p.m. outside Dino’s Ristorante Italiano, near the intersection of Jackson Street and Douglas Avenue, moving up Jackson Street around 5:15 p.m. Event organizer, Stacey Crowe, a former City Councilor, provided these details. The City has generously waived parade and barricade fees and will be distributing candy from a black tent situated on Jackson Street opposite City Hall. Additionally, Umpqua Community College baseball team players will assist in setting up barricades and will also participate in handing out candy. Paul Bentley, a local architect, will dress as “Captain Jack Sparrow” from the “Pirates of the Caribbean”, complete with a dreadlock wig, pirate attire, rings, and a flintlock pistol. Joining him will be his wife Terry and other friendly pirates aboard the Black Pearl, a 20-foot wooden ship façade, which is set to feature a plank this year.