Day 27: Witches' Night Out

Major confession here: I have a new obsession. It's the Witches' Night Out in Volant, PA. I know, I know. We only met at 5pm today, so isn't this new adulation premature? Maybe, but when it's love at first, then you want to scream it to the roof of every witch's cap in sight (the architectural design, not the actual hat, though we'll get to those in a moment).

As soon as I saw the crowd, I immediately imagined this shot. I worked like mad
to get the image right. If by right, I meant this. I basically did.

First, however, let me get all serious for a minute and talk about my belief in the American small town. Just because a place doesn't have a half million population does not preclude it from being amazing. If anything, sometimes a smaller town has more selling points like cheaper (or free) parking and less bureaucratic infrastructure to gum up a good thing. But so often you get a small town that doesn't realize just how awesome it can be. Some are so willing to surrender their potential economic future that it's sort of akin to a Phoenix rising from the ashes and saying, "Eh. Whatever. I'm going back to the cinders. This being great is too much work."

Or perhaps a witch from the ashes would be more apt

But Volant, PA commits no such folly. It may be a small town--essentially one road of shops--but if ever I've seen a village recognize its potential, then it's Volant. For the amazing event tonight, virtually every shop extended regular business hours and--incredible bonus--decorated for the occasion. A kitchen gadget shop with a display of pumpkin and apple-flavored baking mixes, teas, and more? They've got you covered. A home decor store that shows you just how great your home would look all gussied up in a fall primitive style? Of course. A tea shop that not only featured fall flavors but also had a reader of tea leaves stationed on its porch? You bet. And most of the shops in Volant are actually in old homes, so this place is seriously quaint to the max.

I want a boss witch costume! I need to start working on mine for next year...

I must admit my embarrassment that immediately upon driving into the town, I spotted over a dozen costumed witches. And I left my hat and gear at home! For shame! But no one seemed to mind as I sampled the myriad of fall recipes and drinks. Sadly, I had dinner just before I arrived, so I couldn't enjoy even more of the delectable goodies, but there's always next year. And rest assured, I will arrive on an empty stomach.

Please note the tombstone appetizers in the back and revel in their greatness.

Another highlight of the evening was certainly the costume contest. But they didn't just give awards to the adult witches. Pups got into the festivities as well!

He really wanted to be a vampire, but the witch costume had to suffice

Toward the end of the night, you could check out the Witches' Ball or play the role of a juror on a mock Witch Trial. Unfortunately, the final trial was canceled due to everyone vacating for the ball, so I didn't get to determine if Nettie McDougal was guilty or not. But fear not! I will be first in line next year to sit on the pretend jury of this bewitching case!

Never has a coven shown so much solidarity!

If my enthusiasm for this event was not already apparent, it should be noted that within a half hour of my arrival, I had already phoned Bill twice to gush about the awesomeness of the Witches' Night Out and to exclaim, "You have to take a vacation day for this next year!" And in the Kiste-Homan household, those days are sacred, so that's really saying something.

Nothing like a box of rats to finish off a spooky evening

For those of you who want to get a dose of Volant before 2014, they are holding their Pumpkin Fest on October 12th and 13th, so if you are anywhere in the area, I would definitely recommend checking it out. Otherwise, prepare yourself for next September; the Witches' Night Out is one event not to be missed!