Vashon Highway will be closed between 171st street and 178th street from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 31, as ghosts, superheroes and flailing dinosaurs safely roam the streets looking for fun and candy.
Yes, it’s Halloween season, which means Vashon’s town core will be closed to car traffic that evening between Ober Park and the Vashon Theatre.
No parking will be allowed in the closure area on Vashon Highway starting at 4:30 p.m. Motorists who need to get through town can use 107th Ave SW, SW Bank Road, 103rd Ave SW and SW Cove Road to avoid the haunting menagerie.
The event is orchestrated each year by the Vashon Chamber of Commerce, drawing hundreds if not thousands of costumed islanders to celebrate the spooky holiday in one safe, easy-to-navigate location — Vashon’s temporarily traffic-free main highway, downtown.
The Chamber raised an impressive $10,000 to purchase a total of 70 no parking, road closed and detour signs, 20 barricades and footers and sign stands, Chamber Executive Director Amy Drayer said.
“We are so overwhelming grateful for all the support. We truly would not be able to host our free community events without that community investment,” Drayer said in an email. “It’s a real tribute to Vashon’s generous spirit that over 85 donors gave to the campaign to keep our most cherished events like Halloween, Strawberry Festival, WinterFest, and Summer Nights alive!”
Further frighteningly fun forays flourish this time of year.
The third annual Vashon Witches’ Paddle takes place on Sunday, Oct. 29 from 11 a.m. through 1 p.m. at Jensen Point. Bring a paddleboard, kayak, rowboat or other simple sea vessel and your best witch outfit to celebrate this all-ages event. In the event of high winds, the paddle will take place at its alternate location: Raab’s Lagoon. For more information, visit facebook.com/events/620522980217113. Families are encouraged to plan ahead for flotation and hydration of their children.
From 5 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31, the Vashon Library opens up for Teen Halloween Hangout: Spooky Stories. Young people between grades 6 and 12 can play improv story games, design their own horrific creatures and watch some spooky tales, according to the library. Scary snacks are included.
The Vashon Park District will again host the Boo Ball at Ober Park on Oct. 31 from 5-8 p.m. This family-friendly extravaganza will feature eerie selfie walls, tantalizing treats, and a cozy yet delightfully scary spot to keep the little ghouls toasty. Don your most creative costumes for a night of Halloween magic.
