2nd Annual Witches Night Out
Last year Jennifer Shorter had an idea for an event in downtown Petoskey that would bring people together to enjoy the beginning of the fall season. It is no secret that Jennifer loves all things Halloween. You may or may not know this about her, but she was actually born on Halloween. By the beginning of August, her store J.W. Shorter and Son’s Mercantile starts to fill up with Halloween specific merchandise, (including the amazingly popular, seasonal Lori Mitchell figurines as well as countless other spooky decorations) with Grandpa Shorter’s Gifts following soon after. Last year, on a mild night at the end of the month of September, a handful of stores in the downtown area joined Grandpa Shorter’s Gifts, The Katydid, J.W. Shorter and Son’s Mercantile, and the newly opened Luci & Carl’s Candy Cabin, to celebrate the first Witches Night Out. Jennifer did not know what to expect, or how the turnout would be, but hundreds of happy participants showed up, many in full costume, and the response was overwhelming that this should be an annual event.
If you are not one of the many people who came out for last year’s event, or, perhaps even if you did come out to enjoy the special occasion, you may be wondering what this night is all about and why it takes place in September and not October. I recently asked Jennifer these questions.
“I guess I have always had an affinity with Halloween, obviously because it’s my birthday, but also, because it is such a cool season of the year. It’s warm, the orange lights, you are turning back into being at home more. . . and I love to celebrate that.” Jennifer said.
“I love trick-or-treating, but as you know, in northern Michigan trick-or-treating on Halloween can be dicey. I mean, how many times did we have to wear our snowsuits covering up our costumes?? It feels like we got rocked all of those years. And, as adults we still like trick-or-treating! So, I wanted to create [this event] as a way to celebrate those of us who still want to dress up and still want to trick-or-treat. . . Greenfield Village’s Halloween nights in October are amazing. It’s like trick-or-treating for adults. I sort of created this event in that spirit. And, because of the weather being unpredictable at the end of October, that is why I had this event at the end of September instead.”
Last year saw hundreds take the streets of Petoskey to enjoy a night of spooky fun. The small group of stores that took part in this inaugural event kept their doors open until 9:00 p.m. and offered games, refreshments, and of course treats for those out to have a frightening good time. Many came out in costume, and all participants agreed that this was an event that should be repeated year after year. So, back by popular demand, we have the second annual Witches Night Out. Didn’t take part in last year’s festivities? You are in luck. This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than last year. As of today, 25 downtown Petoskey stores, boutiques, and galleries will be participating in the 2024 event. These businesses will be offering special treats, promotions, sales, and so much more. Click here for a list of the participants as well as what they will be doing to celebrate.
Make plans to grab your coven and your best broomstick and head to this year’s Witches Night Out on Friday, September 27 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Whether you come in costume or as you are, this will be a night you will not soon forget.
