A veritable coven of shops and restaurants in downtown Wading River is nearly finished conjuring this year’s Witching Hours, an evening filled with enough activities to make even the largest cauldron tip over.
Set for 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, the family-friendly event by the Duck Ponds is the brainchild of Kacie Merendino, a psychic medium and reiki master who owns Luna Grace Boutique, a metaphysical shop situated in the historic red barn at the intersection of North Country and Sound Roads.
“Come and be yourself,” says Merendino, who also leads spiritual retreats, circles and healings. “Make some memories, make some magic with your kids.”
Now in its fourth year, Witching Hours is free to attend and is organized annually by Merendino, Willow + Bloom plant shop owner Chrissy Pirnak, and R.E.N. Design Company co-owner Samantha Nagorski. Some businesses will set out candy bowls and other gratis offerings, while others will have items and workshops for purchase. Costumes, especially those with a nod toward sorcery, are encouraged for all. Roads will be open, Merendino adds, so guests should account for the flow of traffic.
Left to right, Samantha Nagorski, Kacie Merendino and Chrissy Pirnak, Witching Hours’ organizers. (Photo credit: Rachel Young)
In addition to being a fun evening for families, Witching Hours “means community,” Pirnak says. “For me, it’s grounding. Yes, you’re supporting local businesses, women-owned businesses, you’re supporting friends — but it’s also something about being down here, the vibe of, like, the old. I’m a very old soul, so I love that feeling down here. The ambiance, to me, is what it’s about.”
During the event, specialty treats and drinks will be available and a group photo will be taken at 6 p.m. at the westernmost duck pond. Luna Grace Boutique will offer children’s potion making, while across the street on Sound Road, Brekky will serve “witches brew” and Willow + Bloom will sell witch’s garden mini terrariums. A few doors down at R.E.N., guests can roast marshmallows for free beside a fire pit and create their own corn-husk witch dolls for purchase, while adults who would like to imbibe can whet their whistle with “midnight” margaritas at Mesquite. There will also be pop-ups by the local small-batch bakery Just Loafin’ Round and Bella Anima, a children’s event and party space located within The Shoppes at East Wind.
“Witching Hours is one of our favorite local events because of the small-town feel and the people behind it,” says Kathryn Donohue, who lives in Wading River. “My kids love going to it every year and it’s a fun way to teach them the importance of supporting local businesses and our community.”
Left and center, Wading River businesses participating in Witching Hours; right, Kacey Merendino at the event. (Photo credit: Kacey Merendino)
Nagorski says the event also sets the tone for the rest of October.
“We wanted something that was a little bit more grounded and community based — expanding on Halloween other than just being one day, so bringing that witchy vibe,” she says. “So instead of it being spooky it’s witchy, and witches are based in community and sisterhood and that connection.”
For more information about Witching Hours, check out Luna Grace Boutique’s Instagram account @luna_grace_boutique.
