Halloween is here, and there’s enough happening around our fair little burg to make a multiday event of it.
For starters on Saturday, from 5 to 7 pm, a free Children’s Halloween Party in the library’s garage that offers spooky fun and games, and while supplies last, trinkets and candy too. Best for ages 2 to 11, this shindig is presented by both Corvallis Parks & Rec and the library. Click here for more info.
For the big day itself on Tuesday, there’s a Downtown Trick-or-Treat happening from 2 to 5 pm at participating stores – and in our experience, most of the stores do participate. So far, the forecast calls for dry weather, and it should be just chilly enough to necessitate that pumpkin spice latte you know you’re going to want. Of course, forecasts can change, but the spiced beverage craving seems impervious to weather – so enjoy!
And, in case you missed it a couple weeks back, click here for three of our favorites places for hayrides, corn mazes, and pumpkin patches.
For Older Kids: There’s a Marvelous Monster Mash Halloween celebration and dance party that embraces everyone. It’s an inclusive social event that welcomes all ghouls and ghosts to groove the night away. This dance is co-sponsored by the Arc of Benton County and provides a space for people of all abilities. It’s for ages 14 and up. 7 to 9 pm, Friday, Oct. 27. Click here for info.
On Halloween, a Ghost & True Crime Tour. It’s a little spendy at $20 a head, but it looks like a blast. Described as true crime meets suspected hauntings on the spookiest night of the year, organizers challenge participants to get ready to delve into the eerie world of ghosts, murder, and grisly accidents. Folks will spend an hour hearing hair-raising stories outside the downtown Corvallis buildings where these hauntings, crimes, and accidents have been reported. And participants will probably soak up a little Corvallis history along the way. There’s tours at 5:30, 7:00 and 8:30 pm. Click for more information and to purchase tickets.
Halloween Movie Fun: Join the Majestic Theatre for a fun weekend of Halloween movies featuring a sing-along on Friday night and a costume contest on Saturday night! And don’t forget to visit on Halloween – the Majestic will be participating in the Downtown Trick or Treat. Here’s the movies they’re offering…
Little Shop of Horrors (Sing-Along)
Friday, Oct. 27, 7 p.m., $15
Meek flower shop assistant Seymour (Rick Moranis) pines for co-worker Audrey (Ellen Greene). During a total eclipse, he discovers an unusual plant he names Audrey II, which feeds only on human flesh and blood. The growing plant attracts a great deal of business for the previously struggling store.
The Addams Family (With Costume Contest)
Saturday, Oct. 28, 7 p.m., $15
The Addams Family brings the macabre family to the big screen. Fester Addams has been missing for 25 years, and his brother Gomez mourns his absence. When Fester suddenly reappears, along with his
“doctor,” the Addams Family is elated. However, Fester and his doctor are con artists looking to swindle Gomez out of the family fortune. Will Gomez figure out the con before he loses everything, or will the Addams Family win over the hearts of the fake Fester?
Learn more and get tickets at Majestic.org
Corvallis School Assessments Released: The Oregon Department of Education released its At-A-Glance profiles for every district and school in Oregon earlier this week.
These snapshots look at student demographics, performance on state assessments, and specific programs and electives offered at individual schools. Attendance, staffing and class size are also included. Numbers for each school, and the state as a whole, handily run alongside each other in these profiles.
It’s all based on data from the 2022-23 Oregon state assessments and graduation data from 2021-22. Corvallis is generally averaging better than the state as a whole, but many of our local numbers are still far from ideal.
Corvallis Schools Superintendent Ryan Noss said, “At the same time, this data demonstrates we are still in pandemic recovery, and our youngest learners continue to need support. Staff across our district are focused on supporting our students each and every day to make academic progress.”
Click here to access profiles for each of Corvallis’ schools, and the district as a whole.
Student Grant Deadline Approaching: The Corvallis Public Schools Foundation is now accepting applications for YEA! grants. This unique funding opportunity encourages student-driven projects that aim to benefit the recipients school or local community. Deadline to apply is December 1st.
This grant opportunity is available to all students, in any grade, in the Corvallis School District. Requests may range from $250 to $2,500. Any student or group of students can apply, but proposals must receive approval from a dean of students. Click here to learn more and apply.
And Now, a Shameless Plug: We love these grants, and we’re feeling grateful for the Corvallis Public Schools Foundation. Click here to learn more about what they do, and how you can help.
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