The Battletown Witch Festival is an annual event that takes place in the small town of Battletown. This festival celebrates all things related to witches and the supernatural. It is a popular event that attracts both locals and tourists from all over the region. During the festival, Battletown transforms into a mystical and enchanting place. The streets are adorned with decorations portraying witches, cauldrons, broomsticks, and other magical elements. Local businesses also participate by decorating their storefronts in themed displays.
Leah
Smock
There is a place called Lapland, where the sun seems to be dimmer and the animals a little quieter. For generations, there have been strange legends of creatures that seem not to belong and stories of women that could wield the powers of nature.
Our tale is of one such woman and although she was only in Lapland for 2 years, her story is still told in hushed tones today. This is the story of Leah Smock, the Battletown Witch.
Leah had the terrible misfortune of being both intelligent and beautiful in 1840 Kentucky. She could also heal with herbs, could predict the future, and was whispered to be a witch. Leah finished school early because she learned all that the teacher knew. She went on to learn from everything around her. How if you kill the weeds near a pond, cows can still die because the poisonous roots are still touching the water. Oh, she tried to warn those around her, but they were either too stubborn or too proud to listen. She still had her companions, even close friends. It has been rumored that she was in love in the later summer of 1840.
Leah was the oldest of three children and had dark hair and dark eyes. She spent her days helping her father make barrels or trapesing through the dark woods of Lapland. She carried a walking stick that was made by her Native American friend Jim. It had the head of a snake coming out of the wood at the top. There is some irony in that, you will find out more about that later dear reader. Leah learned from the Cherokee that remained in the area after the Indian Removal Act of 1830. But times were tough in 1840 and her Daddy was in a land dispute with one of the neighbors. It was no fault of his, some big-city huckster by the name of Hardin sold their land twice. Leah had been making herself known more and more with the neighbors and rumors had been swelling for the entire 2 years they had come to know those parts. In that late August Leah had been accused of curing a horse that she wasn’t allowed to pet and causing its death. She also wanted to hold a baby and wasn’t allowed. The baby passed the next day and everyone just assumed it was Leah. What is beside the point is that infant mortality rates were not even calculated at that time due to them being so high and nothing resembling a doctor being around for miles.
In times of hardship, people turn their ire on what they do not know and this time, their scrutiny became increasingly trained on Leah.
On August 21 of 1840, John and Margaret Ann Smock left to visit the nearby town of Staples. They took two of their three children with them. Why they left their third child home on that day is a question that remains to be answered. When they left, John and Margaret were unaware this would be the last time they would see their daughter Leah.
So on that late summer day, unknown neighbors tied the 22-year-old’s arms and legs and hauled her out to the family’s smokehouse. These men, brimming with superstition, stood outside and struck a match. They felt justified as they bore witness to the flames until only silence came from the structure. They left, but that is not the end of Leah’s story.
The Battletown Witch Festival
In Brandenburg they celebrated Meade County’s spooky history at the second annual Battletown Witch Festival.
Watch now Play Clip Season 2 Episode 109 Length 05:16 Premiere: 10/31/23 shareLocal businesses also participate by decorating their storefronts in themed displays. One of the highlights of the Battletown Witch Festival is the costume contest. Participants dress up as witches, wizards, and various magical characters, competing for prizes and recognition for the best costumes.
About
The creativity and attention to detail in these costumes are truly remarkable. In addition to the costume contest, there are various other activities and events throughout the festival. There are magic shows, tarot card readings, live entertainment, and workshops on witchcraft and potion-making. The festival also features a marketplace where vendors sell witchcraft supplies, handmade crafts, and other magical items. Food stalls line the streets, offering a wide variety of delicious treats. From cauldron-shaped cookies to spell-binding cocktails, festival-goers can indulge in a variety of magical culinary delights. One of the most exciting and anticipated parts of the Battletown Witch Festival is the grand witch parade. Participants dressed as witches and other magical beings march through the streets, putting on a bewitching spectacle for the spectators. The parade is a joyous and lively event, full of laughter and excitement. The Battletown Witch Festival is not only entertaining but also educational. It aims to dispel misconceptions and stereotypes about witches and magic by showcasing their rich history and contributions to society. Workshops and presentations provide an opportunity to learn about the different traditions and practices associated with witchcraft. Overall, the Battletown Witch Festival is a celebration of magic, creativity, and community. It brings people together to enjoy a day of fun and enchantment while embracing the mystical and supernatural. Whether you believe in witches or not, this festival is guaranteed to leave you spellbound and wanting to come back for more..
Reviews for "From broomsticks to crystal balls: The Battletown witch festival has it all"
1. Susan - 2 stars - The Battletown witch festival was a complete disappointment for me. I was expecting a fun and immersive experience, but it fell flat. The activities were poorly organized, and there wasn't much to do other than walk around the stalls. The food options were limited, and the lines were incredibly long. Overall, I felt like I wasted my time and money attending this festival. I definitely wouldn't recommend it to others.
2. Mark - 1 star - I had high hopes for the Battletown witch festival, but it was a total letdown. The event was overcrowded, making it difficult to enjoy any of the attractions or performances. The setup was confusing, and there were no clear maps or signs to guide visitors. The lack of originality in the activities was disappointing, as it felt like I had seen it all before. Furthermore, the organizers did not handle the limited parking situation well, resulting in utter chaos. Save your money and find a better Halloween festival to attend.
3. Megan - 2 stars - The Battletown witch festival was a huge disappointment. The atmosphere was lackluster, and the event seemed disorganized from the start. The selection of vendors and activities was underwhelming, with many stalls selling similar merchandise. The highlight, if any, was the costume contest, but even that lacked excitement. I would have expected more creativity and variety for an event themed around witchcraft. Overall, it was an underwhelming experience that I wouldn't recommend to anyone looking for a fun Halloween festival.