DOWNTOWN CAMAS, WASHINGTON — October 28, 2026.

Downtown Camas came alive Wednesday with colorful costumes, festive decorations, and Halloween excitement. The city hosted its annual Boo Bash, a family-friendly celebration where local businesses hand out candy to children and downtown streets become a gathering place for residents and visitors.

The Dancing Witches at Boo Bash in downtown Camas. Photo: Leah Nichelson / Downtown Camas Association.
The Dancing Witches at Boo Bash in downtown Camas. Photo: Leah Nichelson / Downtown Camas Association.

Boo Bash is a community Halloween celebration centered around the popular American tradition of trick-or-treating. Children dress up as their favorite characters, explore downtown with their families, visit local shops for treats, and enjoy seasonal activities.

Children in pirate costumes play chess outside the Liberty Theatre. Photo: Leah Nichelson / Downtown Camas Association.
Children in pirate costumes play chess outside the Liberty Theatre. Photo: Leah Nichelson / Downtown Camas Association.

A Tradition That Brings the Community Together

Boo Bash has been celebrated in Camas for more than a decade and has become a familiar part of the city's fall traditions.

One of the event's defining features is the involvement of local businesses. Shops and other downtown establishments prepare treats, decorate their storefronts, and welcome young visitors. For a few hours, the historic downtown shopping district transforms into a lively family celebration.

Families trick-or-treat outside Camas Antiques. Photo: Leah Nichelson / Downtown Camas Association.
Families trick-or-treat outside Camas Antiques. Photo: Leah Nichelson / Downtown Camas Association.
Michelle Van Tassel, owner of Caps and Taps, at Boo Bash. Photo: Leah Nichelson / Downtown Camas Association.
Michelle Van Tassel, owner of Caps and Taps, at Boo Bash. Photo: Leah Nichelson / Downtown Camas Association.

The event is organized by the Downtown Camas Association in partnership with the City of Camas. The association works to strengthen the historic downtown district, support local businesses, and organize community events.

Around 4,000 Visitors

According to Leah Nichelson, a representative of the Downtown Camas Association who provided information directly to WE PNW, Boo Bash typically attracts approximately 4,000 people.

City of Camas Community Development Director Alan Peters with his family at Boo Bash. Photo: Leah Nichelson / Downtown Camas Association.
City of Camas Community Development Director Alan Peters with his family at Boo Bash. Photo: Leah Nichelson / Downtown Camas Association.

Over just two hours, the celebration brings together families, residents from surrounding neighborhoods, and local businesses. For children, it offers an opportunity to enjoy Halloween in a festive setting. For business owners, it creates a chance to connect with the community and introduce visitors to their shops.

A family in Jurassic Park themed costumes at Boo Bash. Photo: Leah Nichelson / Downtown Camas Association.
A family in Jurassic Park themed costumes at Boo Bash. Photo: Leah Nichelson / Downtown Camas Association.

Events like Boo Bash help keep historic downtown Camas vibrant, with local businesses continuing to play an important role in community life.

Boo Bash is more than costumes and candy. It is a tradition that brings generations of residents together in the heart of their city year after year.

Photos: Leah Nichelson / Downtown Camas Association / WE PNW

Share this story