Children's Halloween Celebration

The Children’s Halloween Celebration is a beloved Ashland event. From dance exhibitions to face painting, family themed costumes, the procession and Samba Like It Hot, the event is a magical way to celebrate Halloween with our local Ashland families. 

To protect the health & safety of our children, families and all members of our community, and to meet the guidelines set forth regarding mass gatherings, the traditional event will not take place for 2020. We are encouraging our community to follow the CDC guidelines for a healthy and safe Halloween for 2020 and we look forward to celebrating Halloween as a community again soon!
 

Monster Dash goes Virtual for 2020- Supporting Education in Ashland & Phoenix-Talent Schools 

For the 12th year in a row, the Ashland Monster Dash invites ghosts, ghouls, super heroes and monsters to run in support of local education. This year’s event has gone virtual, and is a collaboration between the Ashland Kiwanis Club and the Ashland Schools Foundation, with Lithia 4 Kids as the presenting sponsor. Organizers aim to raise tens of thousands of dollars for grants in public schools in Ashland, as well as the Phoenix-Talent Schools Fire Relief Fund.

While new COVID-related guidelines have driven the event online, organizers plan to continue offering a “fun factor” for participants seeking ways to celebrate a socially-distanced and safe Halloween.  Ashland Schools Foundation Executive Director, Susan Bacon, says she hopes the Monster Dash will continue to be a family staple.

The virtual event still features 1-mile, 5k and 10k distances, and will be offering prize drawings for those who upload their times to the race website by November 1. Runners and walkers are welcome to complete their personal course any time between October 23-31. 

Registrants are also encouraged to enter various costume, video and photo contests online for additional chances to win from this year’s prize pool.

While organizers hope the participants have a great time, they are also working behind the scenes to help support students and families in the Ashland and Phoenix-Talent School Districts. Phoenix-Talent Schools estimate that 40% of their families lost their homes in the Almeda Fire in September, and 80% of Phoenix Elementary School's families are now homeless. Proceeds from the event will fund fire relief efforts for affected students, staff and educators, as well as local school grants and programs.

This year’s sponsors have also stepped up to the virtual plate to support local education and provide participants with prizes, giveaways, and online auction items. The presenting sponsor, Lithia 4 Kids, joins nearly 100 local businesses who are giving their time, products, and sponsorship dollars for a successful 2020 fundraising event.

For information, and to register for the 2020 Virtual Monster Dash, visit www.ashlandmonsterdash.com.