New witch-themed Halloween festival slated for Vandergrift
Unleash the magic broomsticks!
The inaugural Witching Hours Night Market is scheduled for the night of Oct. 15 in Vandergrift. Its organizers say more than 70 vendors are booked. The event will be held rain or shine, and Grant Avenue will be closed to vehicle traffic.
The market was organized by a group of fun-loving “witchy” women who happen to own several businesses on Grant Avenue. They partnered with the Vandergrift Improvement Program to present an evening of Victorian Halloween activities.
Vandergrift resident Tina Mendicino Roberto was driving through Volant, Lawrence County, and noticed a large witch-themed festival.
“Witch festivals seem to be spreading like wildfire this year,” Roberto said. “It’s fun to see the way that different communities celebrate in a similar way while putting their own unique spin on things.
”It’s wonderful to see all these small towns come back to life after periods of depression. I think the pandemic isolation really sparked a lot of creativity and need for community. It’s very exciting to watch how it plays out in my hometown and others.”
Shannon Gourley, owner of Honey & Heart Candle and Craft Co. in Vandergrift, is hopeful folks from all of the surrounding communities, not just Vandergrift, will attend.
“As a business owner here, the overall goal is to get more people here in Vandergrift so they know we’re here,” Gourley said. “We have more than 3,000 people interested in the event right now.”
The core group of organizers are Shannon Gourley, Lisa Brunermer, Aleesha Kelly, Tina Mendicino Roberto, Andrea Woodhall, Keith Justham and Brianna Burd.
While more than 70 vendors are on board, the organizers are still seeking food vendors. Interested food trucks are asked to call 412-585-7481.
Here’s what’s planned
A giant cauldron will serve as the focal gathering spot in the middle of Grant Avenue.
Most of the stores in Vandergrift’s business district will remain open late.
Scheduled activities include a children’s activity area, Tarot readings, psychics, performing artists and music by Funky Druid DJ.
The After Party, which the organizers stressed will be more suitable for adults, kicks off at 9 p.m. The party continues with free walking ghost tours, dancing and music.
Costumes are encouraged and all may participate in a free costume contest, with children and adult categories.
Ghost tours, led by Vandergrift resident Tim Gourley, will depart from Grant Avenue and will last about 30 minutes.
The tours are based on folklore of Vandergrift.
Allusion Brewing Co. co-owner Robert Buchanan said the event is another in a slew of street festivals in Vandergrift.
“I love the creativity behind this event,” Buchanan said. “All the events that are being held in Vandergrift have prompted so many ideas for more events. There’s lots of excitement for it, and I hope it turns out to be an amazing night.”
Bring a carved jack-o-lantern pumpkin and compete in the carved pumpkin contest.
Organizer Andrea Woodhall is excited to see entertainer O’Ryan the O’Mazing perform.
“He’s a clown, with problems, ” Woodhall said. “Specializing in juggling, stilt walking and physical comedy, he’s performed everywhere from orphanages, refugee camps, banquet halls and auditoriums.”
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
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