Those who are frightened of witches should avoid Mason on Oct. 23. Year four of the Witches On The Town event is set to take place in Mason this year. Tune up that broom and join hundreds of other witches as they glide through the downtown businesses.
For Mason residents, this will mean people from all over the state will come into town. For businesses, this will mean more foot traffic and promotions all around.
At the helm, is director of the Chamber of Commerce Sarah Oesterle-Russel. At her side, and also administering the event, is Teresa Powell and several other members of the Mason Chamber of Commerce. Powell believes that this year will be the biggest turnout so far.
“Oh, we have over 350 signed up so far,” Powell said. “Thankfully, it’s between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. so you can come and go, so I think it’ll still be OK, but yeah it’s turned into a pretty popular event.”
The event was not held last year because of COVID-19, however, businesses like The Daily Scoop are looking forward to seeing the big crowds walk through the town again. Owner Shawn Sodman said, “It’s fun. It’s late October, so it’s always by this time here, really slow for us, so it ends up making it a pretty decent day.,” He said he will be handing out junior ice cream flavors the day of the event. “It’s entertaining, it’s fun to watch. We’re pretty busy trying to keep up with it, and sometimes there’s a line to the door.”
Kean’s Store Company, a family owned business open 1928, will be one of the many businesses that will also be participating in the walking event. Teresa Wren (Kean), who purchased the business from her father, now runs the business with her daughter.
Wren is excited for all the women that have the opportunity to get together and have a good night in a safe place. She expresses her excitement for all the people that are going to see Mason and check out the local businesses downtown.
Tickets are non-refundable and the fee is $10 and online registrations have to be completed one week prior to the event. People can also go directly to the Mason Area Chamber of Commerce to register 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 19-22.
There will be between 16-20 businesses that will be participating, with each offering treats and free samples to the witches walking around. Witches can still walk around and participate, but wristbands are required in order to receive the passport. The passports will be mailed to participants which includes a map of Mason, coupons for local businesses and wristbands for trick or treating.
Costumes, and specifically hats, are highly encouraged. Sharla Horton will be making witches hats and selling them at the Maple Street Mall for those interested in attending. The Mason Area Chamber of Commerce website has the Witches on the Town registration information.