1. Pumpkin to talk about
Washougal’s Pumpkin Harvest Festival, from noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 27, is a charming, small-town celebration of autumn goodness, with free medium-sized pumpkins for the kids, music and entertainment, games with prizes, and free candy, popcorn and apples. Everyone is encouraged to wear costumes to get into the spirit — little ghosties and ghoulies and grown-ups, too! — and be prepared for festive fall fun in Reflection Plaza, 1703 Main St., Washougal. CityofWashougal.us
2. Get ahead of yourself
Legend has it that a headless horseman haunts the byways of north Clark County, galloping alongside the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad and giving passengers a fright. You might spot this phantasm during the Headless Horseman Train Ride, departing at 9:30 a.m., noon and 2:30 p.m. Oct. 27 and 28 from Yacolt Station, 207 N. Railroad Ave., Yacolt, pulled by a 1929 steam engine. There will be candy and games for the kids and complimentary refreshments for everyone. The route includes a long, dark tunnel and a stop at scenic Yacolt Falls. Tickets are $20 for adults, $19 for seniors, $15 for children 5 to 12, $13 for ages 2 to 4, and free for babies. 360-686-3559 or www.bycx.com
3. Best witches
If after-dark trick-or-treating with your lil’ pumpkins isn’t your cup of witch’s brew, join the Parks Foundation from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 27 for Halloween fun during Booville, with free activities for young kids and their families at Luepke Community Center, 1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver. Enjoy indoor sports, costume parades, a pumpkin patch and pumpkin decorating, face painting from 10 a.m. to noon, spooky stories, raffles with prizes and trick-or-treating. 360-487-7055 or www.parksfoundation.us/booville
4. A pressing matter
In Washington, fall means apples, and that means it’s time to make the fragrant liquid ambrosia known as fresh-pressed cider. During the free annual Apple Cider Pressing on Oct. 27 at Cedar Creek Grist Mill, 43907 N.E. Grist Mill Road, Woodland, your kids can help crank the cider presses as volunteers squeeze about 10,000 pounds of apples into cider. Cider pressing starts at 9 a.m. and goes until about 4 p.m. or until there are no more apples. Guests can also tour the mill, enjoy live bluegrass on the back deck, and go home with free samples of just-ground whole wheat flour and cornmeal. Cider is a $4 donation for a half-gallon jug, limit two per adult.
