Paddle boarders draw attention, raise funds at river
Paddle boarders draw attention, raise funds at river
Pictured from left are Darlene John, Roxanne Blay, Chris Dolan, Verlynn Klepp, Jolene Ferrie, Pamela Hahn.
Seen fom left are Darlene John, Verlynn Klepp, Chris Dolan, Captain Gene Spence, Jolene Ferrie, Gary Atwell, Pamela Hahn, Cindy Alwine and Roxanne Blay.
Witch participants are pictured on Saturday.
Pictured from left are Darlene John, Roxanne Blay, Chris Dolan, Verlynn Klepp, Jolene Ferrie, Pamela Hahn.
Seen fom left are Darlene John, Verlynn Klepp, Chris Dolan, Captain Gene Spence, Jolene Ferrie, Gary Atwell, Pamela Hahn, Cindy Alwine and Roxanne Blay.
Witch participants are pictured on Saturday.
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What started as a spontaneous text message turned into a magical Halloween adventure on the Allegheny River.
It all began when Jen Dilks sent Pamela Hahn a link to a story about the standup paddle boarders (SUPers) dressing as witches and paddling along various rivers and lakes across the country, with the message, "Hey Pam, this looks like something you would do"!
The response? "Yes, yes, it is".
With a growing community of experience, paddle boards in Warren, the idea quickly took flight. The group planned an early Halloween morning paddle, hoping the mist rising from the river would create the perfect mystical backdrop for the eerie yet magical arrival of the witches of Warren landing at the steps near Warren General Hospital.
But even witches need a flight plan! Weeks before the event, participants surveyed the river route, identified shallow areas and potential obstacles and carefully monitored weather conditions and water levels to ensure a safe adventure.
The day before Halloween, one final group text went out, "We ride at dawn".
As the SUP witches approached their landing spot they were greeted by another raucous group of costumed performers: the Dancing Witches of the Northern Forest whose activities are overseen by Heather Johnson from Kane. These dancing witches welcomed the paddlers and performed a special routine at the river landing. Their surprise appearance added even more excitement, laughter, and Halloween magic to the morning.
Beyond the costumes, laughter, and Halloween spirit, the group wanted their adventure to serve a greater purpose. Partnering with the Salvation Army, the witches continued their journey on foot through downtown Warren collecting donations for their witches brew, -oops we mean the Salvation Army soup kitchen!
Thanks to the generosity of community members who embraced the group's Halloween silliness, $148 was raised to support the soup kitchen.
The witches of Warren extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who shared a laugh, offered encouragement, or contributed to the cause. The Salvation Army annual Red Kettle Drive began Monday, offering another opportunity for the community to spread kindness throughout the holiday season.
After all, a little magic, a lot of laughter, and a community coming together for a good cause, makes the perfect Halloween brew!