In the small village of Esstwick, nestled in the heart of a dense forest, there lived a woman who was whispered about in hushed tones. She was known as the Witch of Esstwick. Her name was Morgana, and her presence evoked both fear and curiosity among the villagers. Tall and mysterious, with long silver hair and striking green eyes, Morgana seemed to possess an otherworldly aura. Some said she had lived in Esstwick for centuries, while others believed she had simply appeared one day. The villagers had various stories to explain Morgana's powers.
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Magic Midways Carnival is presenting Smithfield Family Days from May 12 to 28, 2023, at Carolina Premium Outlets, 1025 Outlet Center Drive, Smithfield, NC. Magic Midways Carnival is presenting Smithfield Family Days from May 12 to 28, 2023, at Carolina Premium Outlets, 1025 Outlet Center Drive, Smithfield, NC.
The villagers had various stories to explain Morgana's powers. Some claimed she could commune with spirits, harness the energy of the earth, and cast powerful spells. Others whispered that she had made a pact with darkness itself, granting her supernatural abilities.
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The North Carolina State fairgrounds come alive every October with diverse and exciting entertainment. This year visitors to the State Fair can expect to see their favorite entertainment and exhibits alongside new performers and competitions.
New musical acts, world champion female loggers and educational agriculture shows featuring “agri-puppets” and a “moo-gician” will join popular acts such as the racing pigs, a Kenyan acrobatic troupe, and silk aerialists.
“From agricultural exhibits to live entertainment and Midway attractions, there’s something for everyone at the N.C. State Fair,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “It’s part of the reason hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians walk through those gates every year.”
Concerts
This year the State Fair is offering a new experience to fairgoers with its 2015 Homegrown North Carolina Concert Series. This free concert series will showcase the unique talents of North Carolina artists. Performers include the Wilmington-born Charlie Daniels Band, Jason Michael Carroll of Youngsville, Black Sheep who met in Sanford, and the Triangle-based the Love Language and more.
All tickets are free, but visitors interested in floor seating will need to pick up tickets beginning at 9 a.m. on the day of the show at the Dorton Arena Box Office on the north side of the arena. Fairgoers may only pick up tickets for the show occurring that day, and there is a six-ticket limit per person. The permanent seating in Dorton Arena will be available without a ticket on a first-come, first-served basis.
In addition to a free concert series, several new entertainers will join the lineup of free performances, musical acts and grounds-roaming entertainment available at the fair, including the “moo-gician.” Children of all ages will laugh as magician” Todd Charles, performs a dairy-related magic show.
Grounds entertainment
Other magical performances include the Agricadabra show and Farm Magic Agri-Puppets. At the Agricadabra show fairgoers will meet Brad, an educational agricultural specialist, as he teaches them about North Carolina agriculture through magic tricks. During the fun and interactive show, visitors will get to learn all about agriculture and farm animals with puppets Lisa, Twerk, Boomer and Harry.
The Axe Women Loggers of Maine will also join the lineup of grounds performers. This strong-armed troupe of all-female logging athletes will chop wood with speed and precision. The group, which includes world champion loggers and axe throwers, will wow crowds with their log rolling, axe throwing, chopping and sawing skills.
Along with the new entertainment, fairgoers should note location changes for several of the fair’s long-established entertainment options. The Folk Festival will celebrate its 67th year at the fair with a move to Dorton Arena. Visitors can stop in, sit down and relax, and enjoy folk music and dancing daily. With the Folk Festival’s move, the Circle “C” Racing Pigs get a larger home, with more seating. You will find the pigs behind the Kerr Scott Building near Gate 10.
Discounts
This year there will be even more ways for visitors to save on North Carolina’s premier fall event. In addition to free entertainment, the N.C. State Fair is offering several new savings packages in addition to regular sales discounts.
Students will find that Friday Frenzy will be the best day to save. On Friday, Oct. 16, students who present valid school identification (student ID or 2015 report card) at the ticket booth will be admitted for $5. Only one ticket may be purchased per student ID at the reduced price. Friday Frenzy admission tickets are not available online or in advance.
Powers Great American Midways will also offer an additional unlimited ride wristband day on Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. to closing. Wristbands can be purchased at the midway ride ticket locations and will cost $34. The wristbands cannot be purchased in advance; however, ride tickets purchased in advance can still be used on this day.
For those who like to enjoy the fair with the whole family, the Family Four-Pack is a great deal. The four-pack includes four admission tickets and two ride sheets for $44. The pack is a print-at-home ticket that will be available online through 11:59 p.m. Oct. 15.
Finally, dedicated fair lovers planning to spend multiple days at the N.C. State Fair have the opportunity to save with two different multi-day passes. The Mini Pass allows for four-day access to the fair for just $24, and the Mega Pass allows for 11-day access for just $66. Both the Mega and Mini Passes are sold as print-at-home tickets and are on sale online through 11:59 p.m. Oct. 15. The pass may be scanned at the gate one time per day during the duration of the fair. You may not use these passes to gain entrance for multiple people in a single day. As with all advance tickets, there are no refunds offered for Mega or Mini passes.
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Regardless of the truth, the villagers knew better than to cross her path. Morgana lived in a modest cottage on the outskirts of Esstwick, surrounded by an enchanting garden filled with rare herbs and flowers. Many believed she used these plants to concoct potions and brew mysterious elixirs, further adding to her reputation as a witch. Visitors to her cottage spoke of strange artifacts and peculiar symbols adorning the walls, further fueling the tales of her mystic practices. Despite the fear that surrounded her, Morgana had a kind and gentle demeanor. She had a deep knowledge of natural remedies and often served as the village healer, curing ailments with her potions and salves. The villagers would reluctantly seek her help in times of need, understanding that her abilities could bring relief when conventional medicine failed. However, despite her acts of kindness, Morgana remained an enigma. She seldom spoke of her past, and her true intentions remained a mystery. Some wondered if she was a guardian sent to protect Esstwick, while others suspected darker motives. Regardless, nobody dared to question her authority or challenge her position as the Witch of Esstwick. Over the years, the Witch of Esstwick became a part of the village's fabric, woven into its rich tapestry of legends and folklore. Her presence served as a reminder that there was more to the world than met the eye, and that perhaps magic did exist. The tales of Morgana, the Witch of Esstwick, have been passed down through generations, captivating the imaginations of young and old alike. Some believe she still resides in the village, quietly watching over Esstwick and protecting it from harm. Whether she was truly a witch or simply a woman with extraordinary talents, her legacy lives on, forever entwined with the history of the small village she called home..
Reviews for "The Witch of Esstwick: A Tale of Redemption and Forgiveness"
1. Jane - 2 stars
I was really disappointed by "The Witch of Esstwick". The story was incredibly slow-paced and lacked any real excitement or tension. The characters were bland and uninteresting, making it hard for me to care about their fates. Additionally, I found the writing style to be dry and uninspiring. Overall, it felt like a wasted opportunity for a truly gripping witch-themed novel.
2. Michael - 1 star
I found "The Witch of Esstwick" to be a complete bore. The plot was predictable and lacked any originality. The author tried to create a sense of mystery, but it fell flat for me. The main character was unlikeable and made irrational decisions throughout the book, which made it hard for me to sympathize with her. It was a struggle to finish this book, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating read.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "The Witch of Esstwick", but unfortunately, it didn't deliver. The story was slow-paced and lacked momentum, making it hard for me to stay engaged. The romance aspect felt forced and unnatural, detracting from the overall plot. The world-building was also lacking, leaving me confused and disconnected from the story. Overall, it was a disappointing read and not one I would recommend to others.
4. David - 2 stars
"The Witch of Esstwick" was a letdown for me. The storytelling felt disjointed and lacked a clear direction. The characters were underdeveloped, and their motivations were often unclear. Additionally, the ending felt rushed and unresolved, leaving me with a feeling of dissatisfaction. It had the potential to be a captivating witch tale, but it fell short in execution. Overall, I was left unsatisfied with this novel.