Sponsored by the Utica Business Association, about 500 Witches gathered in Utica for a fourth year of visiting businesses and mingling with the over 300 people who joined them for a night of magic.
There were no set rules for what the witches could wear. From plain black hats and dresses to vibrant colors, they all made Mill Street come alive for the evening. The firepits along the street added a slightly spooky glow. Still, they provided a little evening warmth for the crisp evening.
A dance performance by the Hocus Pocus Hags was the event’s highlight.
“They’re amazing,” Crystal Holt of Spring Valley said. “I can’t believe how easy they make it look to dance with brooms,” she said, laughing.
Tasting Manager and Sales Director Danna Stillwell of August Hill Winery has organized the event, which she says has grown.
“The really nice part of having Hocus Pocus Hags here is that they don’t ask for a payment. Instead, they ask us to donate to a charity or organization in Utica. The Utica Business Association donated $100 to the Marseilles Fire Protection District.”
Witches and visitors stopped by the North and South Mill Street business districts. Most businesses had hidden trinkets like eyeballs, skeletons, or spiders in their shops, and everyone was searching for the tiny objects. The rule was that the more you found, the better your chances of winning one of 20 gift baskets.
It was a night of good magic flowing through the air.
Mark Trainor was with Amy Spellman, both from Morris.
“It’s such a fun night,” Mark said. “I wasn’t going to come but Amy was pretty excited so I thought I’d see what all the talk was about.”
Amy said she attended last year’s walk and knew there would be more witches this year.
“Tonight was just fun,” she said. “I love how everyone is dressed so differently and the broom dancers (Hocus Pocus Hags) were fantastic.”
Businesses were selling alcoholic and non-alcoholic Witches Brew. August Hill was selling Caramel Apple Spice. Stillwell talked about the evening.
“Our first year, 30 Witches stopped by,” she said. “So you can see how it’s grown, I’m thinking we might have Witches Night Out on a Friday next year,” she smiled.
“I start planning Witches Night Out in Angust but I’m usually working on it throughout the year,” Stillwell said. “It’s great to see everyone having a good time. And that’s what tonight should be about. A little spooky magic that just makes you feel good.”