PENDLETON — The residents of Pendleton’s historic Olney Cemetery will again join the living this October.

More than 17,000 people are buried in the 50-acre Olney Cemetery, which first opened in 1891. Many of them have interesting stories and made an impact on Pendleton and the surrounding communities. Sharing those stories is what drives the annual Quiet Neighbors Cemetery Tour.

“Quiet Neighbors is an opportunity to showcase some of the residents of Olney Cemetery. Our portrayals are based on historical research on individuals that were influential in the shaping of Pendleton and surrounding communities,” coordinator Melissa Porter said. “Most importantly, it is an opportunity to connect the community to the cemetery as a place of history.”

The annual Quiet Neighbors Cemetery Tours are Oct. 4-5, 4-7 p.m. both nights, at Olney Cemetery, 865 Tutuilla Road.

Heather Culley, who has organized the event in the past, said attendees should expect some new elements this year as the event shifts to being coordinated by Olney Cemetery.

“This first year under Melissa Porter’s direction will be all your favorite fun, with some new surprises!” Culley said.

As in the past, tour guides will lead groups through the cemetery where a number of costumed performers will stand along the paved path. Each performer will serve as a historical interpreter to take on the persona of one of the people buried in Olney Cemetery, referred to as the cemetery’s long-term “residents.”

Each character has a story to tell, and many were involved directly in Pendleton’s history. In the past the tour has included Pendleton’s first mayor, Lot Livermore; the “mother of Pendleton” Aura Goodwin Raley; suffragette Nancy Despain and the roguish Hank Vaughn. Porter said the historic firemen will be returning this year, by popular demand.

The characters will tell stories of their lives and death, and attendees can ask questions.

Depending on how many questions are asked, each tour takes from 20-60 minutes. Many of the Quiet Neighbor characters will appear both nights, but a few will only attend one of the two days.

Tours will leave from the mausoleum every 30 minutes from 4-7 p.m. on each of the tour days.

The path through the cemetery is paved and is about a half mile, so participants should wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Even those who have attended in the past are encouraged to return to the free event.

“Come one year, two years, come every year,” Porter said. “Each year you can pick up a new tidbit about someone that you might have missed in years past.”

As in past years, the event is free.

For more information, contact Pendleton Parks and Recreation and the Olney Cemetery office at 541-276-8100.