More witches than ever gathered in Kimmswick on Saturday for the 10th annual Witches Night Out, event organizer Valerie Ahlemeyer said.
This year, 4,500 women dressed in their best witches attire to participate in the Kimmswick Merchants Association’s event, said Ahlemeyer, a member of the association and owner of the Little Picket Fence gift shop in Kimmswick. “We try to make it better every year, and I think this was our best ever.
“All of the witches were happy, and everyone had a good time. It was awesome. It is such a cool atmosphere. The costumes were amazing. Every year, these ladies outdo themselves.”
She said tickets for this year’s event sold out shortly after they went on sale at midnight Aug. 28.
Money raised from the event is donated to Windsor High School student organizations, the town of Kimmswick, the Kimmswick Visitors Center and local charities, Ahlemeyer said.
She said the money from the event had not been tallied as of Monday.
The event, which is open only to women 21 years and older, was canceled last year because of the pandemic.
“I think the women were ecstatic about us having it this year,” Ahlemeyer said. “Everyone was in such a good mood, and that just added to the atmosphere.
“The shop owners told me everyone was happy, and they didn’t hear any complaints.”
The town’s businesses and restaurants were open during the event, and plenty of live music and other entertainment were provided.
Members of the Dancing Bear Tribe of St. Louis, a performance art collective, held hula hoop workshops as well as performing aerial gymnastic and fire dancing acts.
Performers from Circus Kaput of Chesterfield also roamed around the town performing various circus acts like sword swallowing and fire breathing.
The witches also were entertained by musical acts – Crossfire, the 4th Street Band, the Heather Dawn Band and Scott Kemp.
The event also included costume contests. Ahlemeyer said the association planned to announce contest winners on the Witches Night Out Kimmswick Facebook page on Monday, after the Leader deadline.