Waterfront Witch Festival Rehoboth Beach 2022 The Waterfront Witch Festival in Rehoboth Beach is an annual event that brings together witches and magic enthusiasts from all over. The festival takes place on the beautiful waterfront of Rehoboth Beach, offering a stunning backdrop for the magical festivities. The main idea of the festival is to celebrate the world of witchcraft and showcase the diversity and creativity within the community. It aims to provide a platform for witches to come together, share their knowledge and experiences, and connect with like-minded individuals. During the festival, there are a variety of activities and attractions for attendees to enjoy. **Workshops and classes** are held throughout the event, offering attendees the opportunity to learn about various aspects of witchcraft, such as spell casting, divination, herbalism, and more.
The festival is named after a speedy clipper ship built in New York City and launched on December 8, 1846. She was famous for her record runs to and from China and was considered the fastest vessel afloat when launched.
The City of Rehoboth s Sea Witch Festival in late October is arguably the most popular festival at the beach attracting between 180,000 200,000 visitors over the annual three-day weekend. Saturday s parade is just one of more than 100 activities for children and adults planned during the festival, including trick or treating, beach contests, lantern tours, magic shows and the annual Dog parade on Sunday.
**Workshops and classes** are held throughout the event, offering attendees the opportunity to learn about various aspects of witchcraft, such as spell casting, divination, herbalism, and more. In addition to the educational aspect of the festival, there are also **vendors and artisans** selling witchcraft supplies, handmade crafts, and unique magical items. This provides attendees with the opportunity to purchase tools and items that can enhance their own spiritual practices.
Sea Witch Festival: THE MOTHER LODE
The City of Rehoboth’s Sea Witch Festival in late October is arguably the most popular festival at the beach attracting between 180,000 – 200,000 visitors over the annual three-day weekend. That wasn’t always the case. In fact, it started out modestly in 1989 with barely 5,000 people in attendance. This year’s event is October 28-30.
The festival is named after a speedy clipper ship built in New York City and launched on December 8, 1846. She was famous for her record runs to and from China and was considered the fastest vessel afloat when launched.
Carol Everhart conceived the idea for the festival even before she became Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Chamber of Commerce President. She came up with the name after local officials approached her to develop a “fall event” for Rehoboth. At the time, she was based in Ocean City, MD.
Everhart suggested a tie-in with Halloween, an idea that originally didn’t resonate with City officials simply because Rehoboth became somewhat of a “ghost town” after Labor Day and they thought no one would attend. “The word on the street was ‘See you next summer,’” she says. However, just as a witch’s cauldron brew simmers, the idea percolated and officials finally agreed to the concept, according to her recollection.
The budget that first year basically matched attendance. Even in 1989, $5,000 was, should we say, a skeleton budget for a major event. Everhart recruited a gathering of non-profits to fill a large tent that was pitched in a parking lot where First Street Station now stands. A storm blew over the tent and organizers had to scramble to pull off the program. Everhart thought it was a disaster, but those who had hired her were thrilled with the festival’s ultimate success.
Now, more than 30 years later, Sea Witch attracts visitors from far and wide, many of whom spend countless hours creating unique costumes for Saturday’s parade just for the privilege of strolling down Rehoboth Avenue to the applause of appreciative crowds.
The gigantic green Sea Witch balloon named Sally leads the parade along with a version of the Sea Witch clipper ship, donated by the Ward and Steward families, Rehoboth locals. The original balloon was retired a couple of years ago, but the Chamber was able to hire its creator, Ken Moody, to craft a new one that is almost identical. Everhart is not certain when the balloon entered the picture, but it was the only one in the parade at the time. Now, there are ten. Everhart says the hope is to set up the balloon this year in the Convention Center after the parade so visitors can take photos with Sally.
One of the parade highlights is the annual appearance of a Mummers group from the Philadelphia area. There are plenty of marching bands from area schools, floats and worthy community organizations. Saturday’s parade is just one of more than 100 activities for children and adults planned during the festival, including trick or treating, beach contests, lantern tours, magic shows and the annual Dog parade on Sunday. A key attraction is the Fiddlers Festival held at the Rehoboth Convention Center.
“It’s three days of FUN,” says Everhart. It’s also a major revenue generator for the Chamber. Luckily, portions of the festival have only been cancelled twice.
Festival goers should consider riding the Dart bus to the parade. Parking is sparce and Rehoboth Ave will be closed to traffic. The Sea Witch Festival has been featured in HGTV’s list of the “21 Great Fall Festivals. For a complete schedule and details go to the beach-fun web site.
AND don’t miss the DOGGIE PARADE on the following Sunday. Dog owners and their fur friends, dressed up to match, parade the boardwalk for a day of FUN!
https://www.beach-fun.com/photo-a-video-tour/sea-witch-festival/view.htmlBy Mary Jo Tarallo, Guest Journalist
Mary Jo Tarallo spent much of her career in public relations with various non-profits and spent 40 years involved with the ski industry as a journalist, public relations director for a national trade association and as executive director of the Learn to Ski and Snowboard initiative. Prior to her ski industry involvement she worked for the Maryland International Center in Baltimore and United Way of Central Maryland. She won a Gold Award for TV programming for a United Way simulcast that starred Oprah Winfrey. She has been cited for her work by numerous organizations. Mary Jo grew up in Baltimore, attended the University of Maryland and Towson University, lived in Washington, DC for 21 years and has been a full time resident of Rehoboth Beach and Milton since May 2019.
One of the highlights of the Waterfront Witch Festival is the **live performances and entertainment**. There are often live music acts, dance performances, and theatrical productions that embrace the theme of witchcraft and magic. These performances add to the overall atmosphere of the festival and provide entertainment for attendees of all ages. Another key aspect of the festival is the **costume contest**. Attendees are encouraged to dress up as witches, wizards, and other magical beings for a chance to win prizes. This not only adds to the festive spirit of the event but also allows participants to showcase their creativity and individuality. Overall, the Waterfront Witch Festival in Rehoboth Beach is a vibrant and inclusive event that celebrates the world of witchcraft. It provides a platform for witches to come together, learn from one another, and connect with fellow magic enthusiasts. Whether you are an experienced practitioner or simply curious about witchcraft, this festival offers something for everyone to enjoy..
Reviews for "Embrace your inner witch at the Waterfront Witch Festival in Rehoboth Beach 2022"
1. Jane - 1/5 stars - I was extremely disappointed with the Waterfront Witch Festival in Rehoboth Beach. The event was poorly organized and lacked any sort of excitement or entertainment. The vendors were sparse and overpriced, and the food options were limited to say the least. I expected a fun and festive atmosphere, but instead, I found myself bored and frustrated. I wouldn't recommend this festival to anyone looking for a good time.
2. Mark - 2/5 stars - My experience at the Waterfront Witch Festival in Rehoboth Beach was underwhelming, to say the least. The advertising promised a lively and engaging event, but it fell far short of those expectations. The activities were few and not very engaging, leaving me wondering what the point of this festival was. The lack of variety in vendors and exhibits made it feel more like a small market than a festival. I won't be attending this event again in the future.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - The Waterfront Witch Festival in Rehoboth Beach was a major letdown for me. The whole event felt disorganized and lacked any sense of cohesion. The entertainment options were limited and not very impressive. Additionally, the ticket prices were quite steep, considering the lack of value provided. I expected a more vibrant and engaging festival, but unfortunately, this wasn't it. I wouldn't recommend attending unless significant improvements are made.