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Home ยป Adventures & Travel Tips

The Most Enchanting Luncheon of the Year: Witchfest

Published: Oct 21, 2016 ยท Modified: Jan 22, 2025 by Madalaine ยท This post may contain affiliate links ยท

The 8th Annual Witchfest in 2016!

For the past eight years, my friend Debbie has been the mastermind behind an extravagant event known as Witchfest. You might wonder what Witchfest entails. Itโ€™s an inclusive luncheon where everyone is welcome, celebrating all things witch-related. (So far, we haven't had any warlocks attend.)

witchfest-2016
Debbie arranges the venue and seating. She creates all the decorations by herself. This year, Sami helped her set everything up. Amazing!

Each year, she crafts a unique party favor for every guest. Debbieโ€™s creativity is astonishing, and I canโ€™t fathom how she manages it all!

Effingham Witchfest 2016
Here our hostess with the mostest! Debbie as a Spring Fairy Witch. So Cute!!!

Preparation Phase

It was my inaugural experience joining a group costume. Kim, Deb, and I brainstormed and decided to dress as Voodoo Witches. I canโ€™t express enough gratitude to Pinterest for the inspiration!

witchfest-2016
Getting ready at Kim's. Left to right: Me, Kim, and Deb

witchfest-2016

witchfest-2016
I'm aiming for a spooky look! Haha! Before we donned our outfits and accessories, I felt a bit like Kung Fu Panda having a rough hair day.

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witchfest-2016
Kim won the BEST WITCH award! Check her out! Isn't that awesome?

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witchfest-2016
Here's Deb. I like the scar she put on her chin. So fun!

At Witchfest

During Witchfest, the sole guideline is that attendees must don a hat. Outfits are not mandatory. This leads to many styles.

Some people wear casual clothes with witch hats. Others wear fancy costumes with body paint, wigs, and capes. Essentially, anything is acceptable!

witchfest-2016

This year, we achieved a remarkable milestone with 94 witches attending! In comparison, last year saw 86 participants. I recall the inaugural Witchfest back in 2008, where there were perhaps 30 of us.

Each subsequent year has seen growth, with increasingly imaginative costumes. We all cast our votes for the best individual costume, best group outfit, and best hat. Itโ€™s always a blast!

Witchfest 2016
Tammy's Medusa

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Witchfest 2016
Molly and Nicole as Sea Witches

Prior to our meal, we gather outside for a group picture. Itโ€™s a bit hectic, and no one pays attention to Gary, our photographer. His patience is remarkable, and we canโ€™t help but laugh.

Witchfest 2016
Santa and her Witch Elves tied 1st place with the Oscar Witches.

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Susie makes a classy Witch!
Susie makes a classy Witch!

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Witchfest 2016
The Oscar Witches got 1st Place for Best Group with the Santas. Left to right: Denise, Monique, and Kim

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Witchfest 2016
Sami as a ventriloquist doll witch is adorable yet unsettling!

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Witchfest 2016
The Witches from Bats Outta Hell secured second place for best group. From left to right: Julie, ?, Patty.

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Witchfest 2016
Theresa (racing witch) and me

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Witchfest 2016
Natalie as Autumn Harvest Witch

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Witchfest 2016
Laura in her spider witches hat at lunch. ย Adorable!

From the depths of our enchanting witchy little hearts...

we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Firefly Grill. As a spirited coven, we cherish the opportunity to gather at your venue each year. A special shout-out to you, Debbie, for coordinating everything so beautifully! We eagerly anticipate this event year after year.

I believe I speak for all the witches at Witchfest. From our magical boots and brooms, we are truly grateful! Thank you immensely for your support!

Witchfest 2016
Left to right: Deb, Me, & Kim ย I can't wait until next year!!!

Check out the 2017 Witchfest! >>>

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Comments

  1. Deborah Ikemire says

    October 21, 2016 at 5:02 pm

    Is it ridiculous I tear up reading and looking at pictures of everyone!!? My mind is blown each and every year when I see all of the effort that people put into their witchy selves! My biggest fear each year is that people won't come!? Or they will feel obligated to come! Then when I see all the time they had to put into their costumes I am like- wow wow wow! It's an event where grown men can get as excited as they did at Halloween when they were kids I hope! You Missy made my day this summer when you texted even to her date for sure! Again mind blown by the wonderful Witches I know! We run the world! Or at least Firefly that day!!! THANK YOU FOR CAPTURING it so beautifully!! ???

  2. Deborah Ikemire says

    October 21, 2016 at 5:04 pm

    Grown women! Not men! ???

  3. Jan Berkbigler says

    October 21, 2016 at 11:42 pm

    Awesome time!!! Thank you, Debbie Ikemire!!! You are so creative and a marvelous hostess!! You made everyone feel so welcome!!! Thank you Madalaine for including the pics - there were so many people there I don't think I saw everyone!!!
    Firefly did a great job!! Thanks to all!!!

    • Madalaine says

      October 25, 2016 at 11:52 am

      Thank you, Jan. I know what you mean! There are so many clever and creative witches there. It's hard to take it all in! I think my favorite part is trying to figure out who's under that hats. It's hard to recognize anyone!

  4. Martacarmela Sotelo says

    October 23, 2016 at 12:33 pm

    Dear Mada, I love to read your blogs! I love the way you make me see through your eyes. Always talking with love and passion about the people around you. Thanks for sharing!

    • Madalaine says

      October 25, 2016 at 11:49 am

      Thank you so much, Maca! Your words mean so much to me!

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