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--> --> Kids, adults share Halloween glee By Maggie McGehee Ashland Daily Tidings With drinks in hand, drumming on the Plaza and fireworks in the sky, Ashland residents put inhibitions aside for one of the biggest celebrations of the year - Halloween. For some, it was their first taste of the Ashland revelry tradition, but for many it was a night of celebration, consumption and costumes in true Ashland form. The day's festivities kicked off at 3:30 p.m. with the Ashland Chamber of Commerce's children's parade through downtown, as hundreds of kids and adults hopped from store to store collecting candy from downtown shops. Harry Potter was a favorite character for children and adults alike as the long robes, lightning-shaped birthmarks, broomsticks and magic wands blended with the assortment of other costumes, ranging from cute to grotesque. "We first moved here four years ago, and we always look forward to any excuse for a parade," said Allison Block, as she accompanied her 3-year-old daughter Gillian Frederick in the parade. From Ashland to Talent to Phoenix, children streamed into neighborhoods as the sun set to knock on doors and collect their tasty treats. Many parents stayed in the background as children passed by glowing jack-o-lanterns on their way to people's front porches. After sunset the children went to bed and it was time for the adults to show they still know how to have a good time. Costumes were varied, but the atmosphere was jolly as Ashlanders congregated on the Plaza, danced to the beat of downtown drummers, migrated from party to party and bar to bar, celebrating All Hallows Eve. Contrary to years past, when the celebrating turned to mayhem, few crimes were reported Wednesday, according to the Ashland Police Department. "It looked like downtown was busy, but for the most part people were fairly well-behaved," APD Sgt. Teresa Selby said today. Email your... Technical questions & comments to: WebMaster Daily Tidings editorial comments & questions to: Editor Visit our other Oregon Newspapers... | Albany Democrat-Herald | Ashland Daily Tidings | Corvallis Gazette-Times | | Lebanon Express | Newport News-Times | Springfield News | Cottage Grove Sentinel | Ashland Daily Tidings 1661 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone 541-482-3456 © Copyright 2001 Lee Northwest Publishing