It was a “BOOtiful” day for 24 Witches who kayaked and canoed along the Illinois River at the Kayak Starved Rock Campground, 1170 N. 27th Road, Ottawa. The witches said the event was even more special because they weren’t just on the river. They were helping sheltered animals.
“Witches On the Water – Paddling for Pets” was an idea co-chairs Janee Matteson, Carrie Weir, and several friends had last year while sitting around a campground fire.
“It was pretty funny how this all began,” Matteson said. “I wasn’t there, but I received a complaint about a lot of ladies making too much noise. (Weir innocently smiled.) When I got to the campground, there were about 20 ladies enjoying themselves by a fire. I definitely didn’t hear a lot of noise, so I believe I was set up,” she said with a smile.
That night, Matteson, Weir, and the others sat around the fire until 2:00 a.m., talking about general things until someone came up with what would turn out to be “Witches On the Water – Paddling for Pets.”
Talk of witches turned to Halloween and animals (especially cats!), so it seemed a natural progression to include helping pets.
On Saturday, two witches were checking in, smiles on their faces.
Karen Doolittle was from Davenport.
“I’ve never been to the Starved Rock area,” Doolittle said, “so I’m excited. After talking with everyone so far, it looks like it’s going to be a pretty fun and successful day for us and animals.”
Shannon Bartels of Moline, IL, was optimistic it would be a great day.
“It’s a little cool, but I think it will be a BOOtiful day,” she laughed. “The fact that we’re able to help animal shelters is a big thing for me.”
Weir said Saturday was the first of many annual events because about 300 people responded with interest on their Facebook page.
“24 Witches paddled for pets yesterday,” Matteson said. “I think the (cool) weather we had scared some witches, and some of them weren’t really aware camping and fires were available. But as witches were leaving, everyone said they were excited about next year.”
To see a video of Witches On the Water, visit www.facebook.com/reel/1297365630920777.