ENCINITAS — Adults can have some early Halloween fun and let their inner witch out at a costumed inaugural pub crawl – and fundraiser – this Saturday along Highway 101.
The event, called Those Witches Be Crazy, was organized by Encinitas resident Jen Hibbits, who says Halloween is her favorite holiday.
“I love dressing up, particularly as a witch,” Hibbits said. “My house is decked out with witches out front, so I often keep with the witch theme with my costume.”
Hibbits said last year she stumbled across a witch-themed pub crawl and thought it was something she’d love to bring to the community. She also saw it as a way she could contribute to a local organization that is doing good in the community. A portion of the proceeds will go to Encinitas’ Community Resource Center, a nonprofit organization that works to end hunger, homelessness and domestic violence in North County.
“I thought this event being an Encinitas witch-themed event it should go to a local organization that supports women,” Hibbits said, adding that the CRC helps all people in the community. “I was deeply touched by their tagline: safety, sustainability and self-sufficiency. That is particularly helpful for women, but all people need that and I’m happy to support their efforts.”
The CRC is celebrating its 40th year this year. Its programs include a domestic violence emergency shelter, hotline and prevention/education outreach, a Therapeutic Children’s Center, professional counseling, legal advocacy, food and nutrition distribution center, homelessness prevention and rental and housing assistance.
There are four establishments taking part in the pub crawl including local favorites Lumberyard Tavern, Beachside Bar & Grill, Union Kitchen & Tap, and a newer restaurant that opened its doors in May called Home & Away. All stops are along the 101 Highway between C Street and K Street.
A requirement of the event is that participants dress up as a witch or in another magically inclined costume such as a sorcerer, warlock, or wizard. Kids and animals aren’t allowed.
“It’s a great way to get in the spirit of the holiday season — Halloween doesn’t have to be just for kids,” Hibbits said. “Plus, it’s hella fun to be in a group of people all dressed like witches. The possibilities are endless from historical figures like Morgan Le Fay to Glinda the Good Witch or your saucy sorceress from Party City.”
The pub crawl begins at 11 a.m. and goes until 4 p.m. Oct. 19 and you must purchase a ticket to participate. Upon check-in, participants will be given their drink tickets which are redeemable at any of the four designated stops along the way. Some places are also offering a food item. Participants are more than welcome to purchase more food or drinks along the way.
Tickets for the event are currently on sale for $60, down from $75, on the website thosewitchesbecrazy.com. There is also merchandise for sale on the site, including women and men’s T-shirts and women’s tank tops.
Hibbits said she’s expecting at least 50 people to make it out to the event but is hoping for more. She said she would love to see the pub crawl turn into an annual event.
“That would fly me over the moon,” she said.
