Fall events at Columbia state park highlight history, hauntings. Here’s when and where
History and hauntings come alive this season at Columbia State Historic Park. Starting this month and continuing through the end of the year, there is no shortage of unique events to attend.
“It’s so important to learn about the past,” Columbia State Park interpreter Caleb Masquelier said. “The Gold Rush triggered a massive event and people rushed out here to California, and it’s the reason we are all here today.”
One of the most well- preserved and accessible Gold Rush towns in California, Columbia still bustles with the activity of the 1840s thanks to the many employees and volunteers committed to keeping the history alive.
Though the park is open year-round, fall is one of the best times to visit.
The season kicks off with Back to School 1861 on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 4-7 p.m. at the historic schoolhouse. This free, family-friendly event will transport visitors to a day at school in 1861 with stories, songs and activities. Attendees also can participate in making hand-churned ice cream.
If you are interested in the spookier side of the park, consider attending Stories in Stone on Sept. 27-28 and Oct. 4-5 starting at 7 p.m. Take a walk through the cemetery with stops at 10 gravesites to hear the tales of how locals lived and died. Led by docents, the tour is illuminated by lanterns.
Reservations are required and can be booked on the park’s events page, tinyurl.com/friendsofcolumbia. Tours are $25 per person, $10 for children ages 10-15. This event is not recommended for children under 10.
For those wanting to make a more personal connection with the spirits of the past, budding ghost hunters can join the last Paranormal Research Tour of the year on Oct. 26 at 8 p.m.
Join members from Sacramento-based Full Spectrum Paranormal on an exploration of some of the park’s reportedly haunted buildings. Masquelier, the park interpreter, said he’s never encountered anything paranormal but recounts stories from past volunteers who have had strange experiences. Space is limited and reservations are required. The cost is $50 per person and can be booked on the event website.
Fall programming concludes with Boo Boulevard and Spooky Street on Saturday, Oct. 26. Fun for kids and the whole family, Boo Boulevard takes over the entire park from 2-6 p.m. with trick-or-treating, kids activities, creepy crafts and dance performances. There also will be a jack-o-lantern carving contest and a costume contest. Visitors are encouraged to dress in costume and march in the Halloween parade at 4:30 p.m. This is a free event.
Come for the family fun and stay for the spirits served at Spooky Street. Starting directly after Boo Boulevard at 6 p.m., Spooky Street is a dance party featuring live music, a beer and wine garden, street foods and vendors. Costumes are encouraged and lawn chairs are welcome.
Other events taking place at the park include the Fine Art Show on Sept. 15 and Harvest Festifall on Oct. 12-13. These vendor events are put on by the Columbia Chamber of Commerce. For more information visit www.visitcolumbiacalifornia.com/events and friendsofcolumbiashp.com/events/columbia-state-historic-park-events/.
Delving into December
For the holiday season, these other popular events start in December.
Lamplight Tours are Dec. 6- 7. Friday, there are six tours, the first starting at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, there are nine tours, the first at 5:30. Tours start every 15 minutes both nights at the Columbia Museum. The cost is $25 for people 15 and older, $10 for kids ages 10-14. The tours aren’t recommended for children under 10.
A Lamplight Tour is a walking play that wanders the streets of Columbia and ends with music, dance and refreshments.
The Miners’ Christmas takes place Dec. 21-22, noon to 3 p.m., and is free.
Held on Main Street, the event demonstrates what Christmas in a Gold Rush town may have looked like in the 1850s. Listen to Christmas stories from some of the “ol’ timer” miners, taste chestnuts roasted over the open fire and make a variety of old-fashioned crafts.
Visitors can sip hot cider and coffee and expect to see Father Christmas when he arrives by stagecoach at 12:30 p.m.
This story was originally published September 11, 2024 at 10:25 AM.
