Witches Ball

by Keegan O'Connor

Green-skinned, warted, pointy-hat-wearing people are, at this very moment, plotting a not-so-clandestine gathering of their fellow coven members. How often do you see good, old-fashioned, Disney-esque witches walk openly on public streets? Only now, as All Hallows' Eve sneaks up on us, does this once-persecuted group invite exposure to people like you and me. But leave your eye of newt and wing of bat at home -- you're better off bringing ballroom dancing shoes and your most ghoulish garb to this year's Witches Ball.

A brief jaunt by broomstick will drop you in historic Mill Race Village for an outdoor costume party for grownups. Not often do creatures of the night revel to disco music while strutting down a red carpet. Now's your chance to bust out all that black you've been hiding in your closet because prizes go to the scariest, sexiest and overall best-dressed witches and warlocks (so long as they also have the charisma to further rouse the already cackling crowd during their carpet walk). Don't feel obligated to dress in costume of course; you're free to simply observe the revelry from the edge of the runway.

Supposing you consider yourself a more multifaceted sorcerer or sorceress: You will still have plenty to amuse yourself, from portents to Poe. At your disposal will be Vivienne's talent at predicting your fate, South Jersey Ghost Research Company's tales of real-life ghosts and hauntings, and the elegant witchery of ballroom dance demonstrations and lessons. If you have any supernatural inclinations whatsoever, your inner hextress or warlock will greatly appreciate this opportunity to meet others of its kind -- green skin, warts and all.

Witches Ball, Sat., Oct. 11, 5-11 p.m., $2 costume contest entry fee, Mill Race Village, 5 Church St., Mount Holly, N.J., 609-518-1700, www.millraceshops.com.

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