Sylvan Lake Witches Paddle returns with activities on land and lake

The Sylvan Lake Witches Paddle returns to Central Alberta Oct. 5.

This year, in addition to the paddle, other fall festivities will happen at the Pier and other downtown locations.

Try your hand at penny games, broom making, potions class, face painting, a costume contest at 2nd Wind Brewery, spooky story time at the Sylvan Lake Library, a pie face charity auction, some live music, wine glass painting and oracle readings at Fireside.

“We have also been talking about getting some food and drink specials with a witch theme and have asked some businesses to stay open later,” says Kayla Tisdale, co-organizer with Chelsea Taylor. The two have been working with the Town of Sylvan Lake tourism department to prepare for the event.

When it comes to fall and winter in Sylvan Lake, events can be limited, Tisdale adds.

“I grew up in Sylvan Lake and we always had a good sense of community and it just seems like events now are few and far between. I wanted to bring back something fun.”

The Witches Paddle event also has a charity aspect this year.

“Red Deer Ronald McDonald House will have a booth to take donations and all the proceeds from the pie face auction will go to Ronald McDonald House,” Tisdale said.

The auction will feature people like Mayor Megan Hanson and Vinnie Taylor from New Country 95.5, who have signed up to receive a pie in the face.

“The highest bidder will be able to throw the pie in the face of the person of their choosing,” Tisdale says.

The event will then close with a showing of the movie Practical Magic at 7 p.m.

Registration for the paddle runs from at 10 to 10:30 a.m. with the paddle beginning at 11 a.m.

“We want everybody to come out, feel that sense of community, and enjoy the beach while we still have it,” Tisdale says.

Learn more at visitsylvanlake.ca/signature-events.

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