Malia Riggs
Elmore Autauga News
Photos by Sheryl Jennings
Tales of black cats, scary bats and pointed hats filled the streets of Wetumpka Thursday evening where witches and warlocks parked their broomsticks for a night of fun. Main Street Wetumpka took a walk on the witchy side and hosted the first ever Broomstick & Brews – Sip, Shop and Stroll event in historic Downtown Wetumpka.
“The Broomsticks & Brews – Sip, Shop, Stroll event is all about blending a festive Halloween spirit with local business support. Attendees will dress as witches and warlocks, parading through the streets while enjoying sips, snacks, and shopping at our local businesses downtown. The event encourages community members to explore the charming shops and boutiques, engage with local merchants, and celebrate the vibrancy of downtown Wetumpka,” Main Street Wetumpka Executive Director Haley Greene said.
The first ever Broomsticks and Brews event created an opportunity for adult locals and tourists alike to participate in the unique event. Not only did the shops of downtown Wetumpka stay open later for the witches and warlocks, but participating shops also offered exclusive sips, deals, discounts and more.
“I think one of the best parts of Broomsticks & Brews was the atmosphere. Watching everyone come together in costume, enjoying a night out while supporting the downtown shops, was something really special. Encouraging adults to dress up and have fun brings out that childhood spirit many of us miss in adulthood. The playful witch and warlock theme adds a magical energy, making it feel like a fun, nostalgic celebration of both Halloween and Wetumpka’s close-knit community,” Greene said.
Greene stated that this event was also hosted to foster economic vitality and downtown revitalization for Downtown Wetumpka. By drawing people downtown with fun and exciting events such Broomsticks & Brews, Greene stated it not only helps to increase the foot traffic to downtown, but also boosts local businesses but it also helps to build a stronger sense of community.
“The idea came from wanting to offer a fresh, seasonal way to combine local shopping and entertainment, particularly with a focus on adults. With the success of similar community-focused events such as our Galentine’s on Main event, the witchy Halloween theme was a perfect fit to capture that festive magic while supporting Wetumpka’s businesses,” Greene said.
During the event, attendees could participate in a witch hat contest and a thrilling witches potion hunt where participants of your coven would search for hidden potions bottles within 10 local shops.
Greene stated that if the event does well that Main Street Wetumpka will look into making it an annual event to not only support local businesses but to bring people together in a whimsical way.
“Our goal is always to create a vibrant, engaging downtown that people want to be a part of, and we think this event does just that,” Greene said.
While this event was geared towards adults, there are other events for the whole family coming up. Greene stated that the City of Wetumpka is hosting the Coosa Candy Crawl, where kids are encouraged to dress up, and other fun festivities will be available.
The Candy Coosa Crawl is Oct. 28th starting at 4 p.m. at the Wetumpka Sports Complex.
