Saratoga News
News
Halloween comes early to Saratoga with annual Witchy Walk-A-Bout
By Chris Vongsarath
Parents worried about their little trick-or-treaters and trick-or-treaters worried about not getting enough candy should hit the Village on Big Basin Way on Oct. 27 from 2 to 4 p.m. for the fourth annual Witchy Walk-A-Bout.
"People are sort of wary more and more about trick-or-treating, and this way it's a safe way and place to take their kids trick-or-treating," said event coordinator Kristin Davis. "And for the kids, it's a lot of fun and the sun is still out."
Davis has been part of every Witchy Walk-A-Bout since it started with Dr. John Marian four years ago. Marian used to have an office on Big Basin Way and has since passed the torch to Davis, who is working with co-coordinator Judy Coulter this year.
The event has brought good-sized crowds throughout the years, Davis said. Her numbers aren't exact, but she estimates about 500 people show up for the two-hour mini festival.
"It's been really nice and actually very popular right from the beginning," she said.
Participating merchants in the Village will have balloons in their storefronts, inviting trick-or-treaters to stop by. There will also be face painting, opportunities for photos and a pumpkin and squash exhibit.
Eileen Graham of Saratoga Kitchen and Bath Design was in the Village for eight years before moving around the corner to Saratoga-Los Gatos Road in March. But she won't let that stop her from continuing her streak of consecutive Witchy Walk-A-Bouts.
Graham is using her "mystery wall," which has kids reach in holes in the wall for unknown surprises, as an attraction.
"We've always participated because it's really easy," she said. "Now we're sort of out of the loop and using the wall as a draw, so hopefully we'll get the kids to come out here."
This year will also be different from years past with the mini-carnival in the Bank of America parking lot. The carnival is set up by the Saratoga Parent Nursery School, a nonprofit, parent-participation preschool, and will feature games, contests and prizes. It will also sell "mummy dogs" and beverages.
The Saratoga Village Development Council sponsors the free Witchy Walk-A-Bout event and has included it under its umbrella of functions, Davis said. The council is comprised of a group of volunteers trying to promote business in the Village.
Davis said the council tries to host an event each month.
