Erin Witches Walk appears to be no more
The Wellington Dufferin Women’s Association recently dissolved and will not be involved in running its annual Witches Walk this year
ERIN ― Erin’s annual witches’ walk is no more.
In an emailed statement to EloraFergusToday, co-founder and director of the Wellington Dufferin Women’s Association (WDWA), Jessa Patterson, confirmed the local non-profit will not be involved in organizing the annual Witches Walk going forward.
Although one former member has expressed interest in potentially continuing the event independently, Patterson said it won’t be affiliated with the WDWA.
Raising money for the Headwaters Healthcare Foundation, the annual event saw residents dress like witches and flood Erin’s Main Street every October for a witch-themed evening market, raffle, and other mystical experiences.
This would’ve been the walk’s fifth year.
“Given how popular the event was in Wellington County, I wouldn’t be surprised if someone takes up the mantle locally in the future,” said Patterson. “The team is deeply disappointed that we can no longer offer this much-loved community event.”
This follows a May social media post from the WDWA, which worked to empower women through workshops, events, and fundraising, announcing the non-profit after almost five years in the community.
“This was not an easy choice,” said the post. “As our personal and professional commitments have grown, we are no longer able to dedicate the time and focus needed to continue operating the organization in the way it deserves.”
Thanking everyone who volunteered or attended an event, the post goes on to say the group, which was created to bring women living in Erin, Orangeville, Wellington, and Dufferin Counties together “in a meaningful way,” is proud of its community impact.
“What started as an idea quickly became a space where connections were formed, conversations were shared openly, and women showed up for one another … It was never just about the events; it was about creating an environment where women felt welcomed, seen, and connected,” said the post.
Several members of the community expressed their disappointment at the news and its impact on the Witches Walk following the announcement, including a comment from Rising Owl Designs, which said they attended the event for the first time last October.
“I am heartbroken. So grateful to have been exposed to the support and positivity of this group,” reads the comment. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for communities over the years, and I wish you each the best of luck in your personal journeys.”
The Erin BIA has confirmed it won’t be involved with running the event moving forward. The Erin Chamber of Commerce did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
By Isabel Buckmaster, GuelphToday.com
Isabel Buckmaster is the Local Journalism Initiative reporter for GuelphToday. LJI is a federally-funded program.
