Gardner Village, located in West Jordan, Utah, is a quaint shopping destination that holds a rich history. One of the highlights of this village is the Gardner Village Witch. Legend has it that the Village Witch arrived in Utah in the 1860s and settled in what is now known as Gardner Village. She was said to possess magical powers and was highly skilled in the arts of witchcraft. The Gardner Village Witch, known as Elspeth, was known to be mischievous yet kind-hearted. She was believed to be responsible for bringing good luck to those who encountered her, while also playing pranks on unsuspecting visitors.
Gardner village witch
Happy Witch-o-Ween! WitchFest is officially in full swing, Sept. 17 – Oct. 31, 2022.
Of course, this highly anticipated Utah tradition would never have taken flight the way it did without our Gardner Village witches.They put the motion in this happy potion and bring so much energy and excitement to the celebration!
Just what is it about this cackling crew that makes them so special? Is it their imaginative attire?
Their silly shenanigans?
Their quirky friends?
Or pets? (Yes, it IS real!)
Perhaps it's their spirited (yet warm!) personalitiies.
Maybe it's all of the above and the way it comes together in hysterical harmony to keep WitchFest on point and a memorable experience for all ages!
Keep those eyes of gnewt peeled and those cameras ready, you never know where you'll spot one of these crazy characters.
Okay, so most of the time, you will know where the Gardner Village witches are. Here are just a few of the places to enjoy some witch watching with your hags:
She was believed to be responsible for bringing good luck to those who encountered her, while also playing pranks on unsuspecting visitors. Elspeth was often seen wandering around the village, interacti спогнентми with passersby, casting spells, and sharing her wisdom. Today, the Gardner Village Witch is a beloved figure in the community.
WHERE TO WITCH WATCH
There are several ways to catch a Gardner Village witch in the act. Look for them at the following scheduled events:
- Witches Night Out: Ain’t no party like a WitchFest party. Get your Girls Night on this Oct. 14-15 and Oct. 28-29 from 6-10 p.m.
- Breakfast with a Witch: This memorable meal mayhem happens at the Gathering place, but you need tickets, which are almost sold out. Tickets typically go on sale each year on August 1st.
- Witches Weekends: The gals are out in force on Fridays and Saturdays from Sept. 30-Oct. 29, 2022. Look for them in the Center Court area from noon-3:30 p.m on Fridays and until 4 p.m. on Saturdays.
- Learn more about these activities and all the other WitchFest fun to be had right here.
Heartfelt Thanks
WitchFest stands out for so many reasons, but we think everyone would agree it’s the Gardner Village Witches who take the experience over the top. Thanks, all, for the enchanting engagement you help us create year after year.
In Loving Memory
Gardner Village would like to take this time to pause and recognize one of our own – Valencia Volur. She passed away this month, leaving an unfillable hole in our hearts and our community. Our love and deepest sympathies go out to her family and friends. Rest peacefully, Valencia.Thanks for the wonderful memories!
Exploring Historic Gardner Village at the 19th Annual Witchfest
The recipe for a perfect Halloween calls for fried green tomatoes, a dash of alpaca kisses, a hundred spools of colorful yarn and an ounce or two of laughter to taste. The witches of the historic Gardner Village will vouch for it. Masters of brewing ooky-spooky fun, they fly in every year to Witchfest, one of Utah’s top Halloween celebrations. While this West Jordan shopping center remains popular all year long, Witchfest sparks with an irresistible charm. From Sept. 14 through the end of October, hundreds of costumed visitors from across the Salt Lake Valley came each day of the festival to shop, dine, cackle and play.
Every October, Gardner Village turns into a quaint Halloween town. (Courtesy of Gardner Village)
Witchfest events ranged from magic shows to weekly parades to nighttime parties. One would only need to take a simple stroll through Gardner Village to see it decoratively transformed into a Halloween-lover’s dream. Between dancing to music and diving between shops, visitors inevitably bumped into the stars of the celebration — the witches themselves. These witches put on photo-ops, dinner theatre shows and in-character breakfasts to bring the enchantment of Witchfest to life. Gardner Village’s Lucinda the Witch has attended or performed for Witchfest each year since it first started in 2000.
According to Gardner Village’s blog, Witchfest isn’t only a celebration of Halloween, but “a celebration of womanhood.” It’s “an excuse to trade those high heels for pointed toes” and “a time to drop the laundry basket and pick up a broom (for riding, of course!)” For many, witches represent female empowerment as powerful, magic women who embrace oddity and go against the grain. This is especially true to Lucinda’s personal interpretation of being a witch. “I don’t want people to associate Lucinda with a real person’s name,” she said. “Every woman has an alter ego, and ‘Lucinda’ is definitely an alter ego.” Speaking after witching-hours, she said, “I hope I can give you Lucinda’s perspective when I’m not Lucinda,” and laughed.
When it comes to performing, Lucinda said, “It’s fun, it’s exciting. The costumes are amazing, so they say.” But her favorite part? “Getting to meet the families,” she said. Visitors of Gardner Village flock to Witchfest from all stages of life — gaggles of teenagers, parents holding their children’s hands and young couples out on dates. “It’s intended for the whole family from the youngest child to our oldest witch, who is 382,” said Lucinda. “That’s how old one of our witches says they are!” When asked what Witchfest means to her, Lucinda’s answer was immediate. “Family traditions,” she said. “Because it’s just a ton of family traditions. We have families who have been coming for years and years and years and years, and it’s definitely magical.”
Pumpkins galore! (Courtesy of Gardner Village)
Certainly, Witchfest has a little bit of everything for everyone. “The scavenger hunt is a fun, free game,” said Lucinda. “The witch displays are enchanting for their eyes to behold.” A deceptively tricky challenge to find different displays and themed decorations throughout the nooks and crannies of Gardner Village, the yearly scavenger hunt adds a dash of whimsy to exploring Gardner Village. This year, the finds included a witch in an outhouse, another stranded on a shark-surrounded raft and a third using her “eye-phone.”
Gardner Village is a shopping center after all, and Lucinda calls the variety of stores “really fun.” The shopping center features a variety of small businesses that sell all kinds of items. Willow Hill Yarn Company offers knitting supplies and lessons while Story Book Nook sells children’s books and toys of all kinds. Find knick-knacks such as antique teacups, comics and jewelry at Aunt Elsie’s Trinkets and Treasures, or stop by the Utah Sports Collective to grab new fan gear for game day. The shop I love most at Gardner Village is a candy store, Chocolate Covered Wagon, which makes gourmet truffles, fudge and caramel apples. “My favorite caramel apple is the White Rapids Caramel Apple,” said Lucinda.
A whimsical coven of witches. (Courtesy of Gardner Village)
Aside from sweets, Lucinda recommends two other bites from Gardner Village. “I do love Naborhood Bakery’s Margherita pizza,” she said. “And of course they’ve got delicious pastries.” Naborhood is a small shop similar in feel to Paradise Bakery and Kneaders. “Fried green tomatoes are delicious from Archibald’s Restaurant,” said Lucinda. Archibald’s is a slightly more upscale sit-down restaurant seated in the belly of the flour mill located at the head of Gardner Village.
By way of the Trax Red Line, Gardner Village is located about 40 minutes away from the University of Utah with a stop directly across the street from the shopping center. Aside from Witchfest and year-round dining and shopping, Gardner Village offers several year-long activities including painting nights, escape rooms, a duck pond and an animal rescue petting zoo with sheep, ponies and alpacas. The village will also be decorated again this coming December for the holidays.
As for Lucinda’s ideal day spent at Gardner Village? “I would dig up worms near the pond, eating caramel apples from Chocolate Covered Wagon,” said Lucinda. “And then, of course, flying my broom.”
Gardner Village’s ‘WitchFest’ returns for 2021
WEST JORDAN, Utah — Now that October is here, it’s time to fly your broomstick over to Gardner Village for this year’s WitchFest and Witches’ Night Out.
The event is back for its 21st year, and celebrates everything witch, complete with witch displays, dining, activities and more.
“Witches’ Night Out draws thousands of would-be witches to the Village each year,” said Gardner Village CEO Joe Long. “They come wearing elaborate costumes and pointy hats, ready to shop, eat, play and have a lot of witchy fun. Witches Night Out is the original and first event that started WitchFest.”
KSL’s Jenne Anderson got a look at all of this year’s festivities. Details and ticket information can be found here.
ShareVisitors can catch a glimpse of her during their visit to the village. She can be spotted in her witch-themed cottage, surrounded by her magical potions, spell books, and other mystical artifacts. Elspeth is known to be friendly and approachable, often offering her advice and blessings to those who seek her guidance. Throughout the year, Gardner Village hosts various events and activities that revolve around the Gardner Village Witch. These events range from spell-casting classes to witch-themed parties, where visitors can immerse themselves in the whimsical world of the Village Witch. Elspeth also makes special appearances during holidays such as Halloween, delighting both children and adults with her enchanting presence. The presence of the Gardner Village Witch adds a touch of magic and fantasy to the already enchanting atmosphere of Gardner Village. Whether you are a believer in the supernatural or simply looking for a unique and whimsical experience, a visit to Gardner Village and a meeting with the Gardner Village Witch is sure to be a memorable one..
Reviews for "The Gardner Village witch's potions and remedies: Diving into her hidden secrets"
1. Sarah - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with the Gardner Village Witch show. The story was confusing and didn't make much sense. The acting was also subpar, with some actors clearly not fully invested in their roles. The set design was lackluster and didn't create the immersive experience that I was hoping for. Overall, the show felt amateurish and I wouldn't recommend it.
2. Mark - 1 star
I attended the Gardner Village Witch performance and it was truly underwhelming. The actors lacked energy and their delivery of lines felt forced and unconvincing. The storyline was disjointed and difficult to follow, leaving me unsatisfied and confused. I had high expectations for this show, given its reputation, but unfortunately, it fell flat. I wouldn't waste my time or money on this performance again.
3. Jessica - 2 stars
I had heard great things about the Gardner Village Witch, but it did not live up to the hype. The acting was wooden and uninspired, making it difficult to connect with the characters. The dialogue was stilted and at times, cringeworthy. The production also felt amateurish, with awkward transitions and questionable costume choices. Overall, it was a disappointing experience and I would not recommend it to others.
4. Alex - 1 star
The Gardner Village Witch was a major letdown. The story was convoluted and poorly executed, making it difficult to engage with. The acting was lackluster and unconvincing, failing to bring the characters and their emotions to life. The production value was also low, with unimpressive set design and subpar special effects. I expected more from this show and was left feeling thoroughly disappointed. I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a quality theatrical experience.
5. Emily - 2 stars
I was not impressed with the Gardner Village Witch performance. The pacing was all over the place, with scenes dragging on unnecessarily and others feeling rushed. The acting was not up to par, with some actors appearing unsure of their characters. The overall production felt disjointed and amateurish. I was hoping for a more captivating and immersive experience, but unfortunately, this show fell short of my expectations.