3rd Annual Witch's Paddle

*Now in its third year, Tara Roch’s witches paddle raises money for the Easthampton Community Center.*

Who needs a broom when you have a paddleboard?

Nashawannuck Pond became the setting for a little Halloween magic as **Brooms Up, Paddles Out!** celebrates its third year of combining witchy fun with community fundraising.

Started by Tara Roch with the help of Juliette Mooers and Lora DeWitt, both local business owners, the annual witch’s paddle trades broomsticks for paddle-boards, bringing a playful spirit to the water while raising money for the community center.

The date and time are chosen to coordinate with the Easthampton Annual Rag Shag Parade, a long time tradition where Cottage Street is closed down while children dress up and parade down the street as business owners toss them candy. They end the parade by walking past the pond and we wanted to surprise them. The timing added an unexpected treat to the festivities: witches afloat on paddle-boards and kayaks

The children’s reactions to seeing the witches were priceless—a memorable meeting of Halloween imagination and on-the-water fun.  The gathering puts a local twist on the season, taking the celebration beyond front porches and trick-or-treat routes and onto the pond. Witch costumes and paddles make an unusual pairing, but that is part of the charm.  

Behind the fun is a meaningful purpose. Money raised benefits the community center, connecting a lighthearted seasonal celebration with support for a shared community resource. The first year it was just 6 of us. Last year we doubled that number. We don’t require, but suggest each witch donate $10 or more to the community center.  Juliette Mooers, a local business owner herself, collects and presents the donation to Robin Bialecki the executive director of the center. We are hoping to double last year’s attendance. 

Now in its third year, the creation is becoming a Halloween tradition with a heart. From the paddlers in costume to the children passing by, **Brooms Up, Paddles Out!** brings people together through a little silliness and a good cause.

After all, these witches are out to stir up community spirit.