Mikaela Smith and Jeremy Cox pose with Jenny Cox, 8, and Forest Cox, 6, paused for a group photo at a 2022 Halloween display at Heidi’s Inn in Ilwaco. “We love it!” Jeremy said.

Ilwaco leaders are putting out a call for spooky help while making plans to extend Halloween.

In addition to the previously announced Oct. 28 and 31 activities, leaders of the Ilwaco Merchants Association are spearheading activities in conjunction with the traditional Day of the Dead.

A ghost parade is planned 3 p.m. Nov. 4 at the Port of Ilwaco along Waterfront Way. Registration is free and will begin at the Salt Hotel and Pub, 147 Howerton Ave., Ilwaco, at 2 p.m. Participants are invited to dress up as their favorite local ghost. There will be prizes for best pet, scariest and cutest ghosts. as well as best sheet ghost.

Jenna Austin of the Ilwaco Merchants said the group hopes it will become an annual event.

A “Ghost Meet Up” will follow 4 to 6 p.m. upstairs at the Salt Hotel. Guests will include local and regional ghost hunters from Phenom West, Big River Paranormal and PNW Paranormal.

An 8 p.m. evening program will include ghost stories and entertainment. Tickets are $10 and are required to attend. They may be purchased in advance at www.simpletix.com/e/ghosts-of-ilwaco-tickets-147801 or at the door.

Guest speaker Ira Kitmacher, a former Ocean Park author who now lives in Olympia, will share stories from the Pacific Northwest, the “Graveyard of the Pacific,” the Long Beach Peninsula and Ilwaco. Kitmacher is the author of several books, including “Haunted Graveyard of the Pacific” and “Spirits Along the Columbia River.”

A “Ghost Story Slam” is also planned.

“Have you ever had an unusual, possibly paranormal or outright spooky ghost encounter?” Austin asked, inviting people to sign up ahead of time. “Storytellers are invited to share their stories at the ‘Ghost Story Slam’ on Nov. 4. A story slam is similar to an open mic. Storytellers will have 10 minutes to share their stories.”

Awards, determined by an audience vote, will include best local ghost story, scariest story and best overall. Storytellers may register to participate by calling 360-777-5665 or in person during the ghost meet-up; there is no fee to participate.

The regional ghost hunters will be using equipment to search for hauntings at the Salt Hotel. A limited availability to participate in the hunt may be available. Those interested should inquire after the parade at the ghost meet-up.

For more details, email ghostsofilwaco@gmail.com.

Previously announced activities include:

• A witches’ paddle on Black Lake Oct. 28. Costumed witches on paddle boards will take part noon to 2 p.m.

• The annual Ilwaco Halloween block party will take place at 122 Lake Street Oct. 31. North Coast Blues will provide music from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. As well as the annual “Thriller” dance between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., youngsters from Beach Ballet will perform a tribute to the movie “Footloose.” Actors from Peninsula Players will hand out Halloween candy at the River City Playhouse, 127 Lake St.