Witches sweep through downtown Blind River as part of Witches Dance (6 photos)

About 28 witches made a clean sweep of Blind River’s core business area descending on the downtown twice and setting a spell on the large crowd who came to watch.

Saturday’s event marked the fifth year the Witches Dance has been held and was augmented by an array of vendors who set up shop along the sidewalk under partially sunny skies.

There were the traditional Halloween decorations along the street and games eagerly played by children.

Organizer Kristy Blanchet said the original Witches Dance was set up by her and two friends after seeing a similar event on YouTube and has grown with more witches and more spectators taking part each year.

“We saw this on YouTube and we said this looks kind of interesting do you think we could do this,” Blanchet said of the original idea to stage it in their hometown. “Now I have a big mouth and they said if you organize it, we’ll help you.”

They started out with nine witches and now have 28 witches. The organizers are hoping to expand with more witches next year.

Members are not part of any dance class and “it’s just for fun,” according to Blanchet who was dressed as the lone good witch.

Those who want to take part must attend the regular practices.

“We practice in the elements and all we ask you to do is bring your broom.”

The practices are held in open areas by the river, at a local school and at the firehall where they can be safely held.

Blanchet said she has already been approached by two men wanting to take part next year and hopes more will join in a Warlock Dance.