News

Courtesy of Holly Jackson, Washington Daily News

Witches historically have used brooms as their primary mode of transportation; however, witches on the Pamlico prefer water to air and opt for paddles and kayaks.

On Sunday evening, Oct. 26, “witches” and “warlocks” of all warts and sizes paddle along the Washington waterfront for the second-annual Witches Paddle, a donation-only fundraiser benefitting Sound Rivers. The event collected $550 and was hosted by Liane Harsh, owner of Inner Banks Outfitters, and Vail Rumley, Sound Rivers communications director.

“We had so much fun last year and knew we were going to do it again this year, so we decided to make it a fundraiser for Sound Rivers,” Harsh said. “Washington is built around the Pamlico, and Sound Rivers’ work to protect this river means we all get to enjoy it — essentially, their work supports my business, so it only makes sense to support Sound Rivers in return.”

After a brief meeting at the dockmaster’s station of all “witches” and “warlocks,” 44 kayaks and paddleboards were launched from a single kayak launch in 15 minutes.

They took a leisurely paddle down the waterfront to just before the train trestle, then paddled back, all the while listening to songs like “Witchy Woman” by the Eagles and “Black Magic Woman” by Santana being played from a mysterious and unknown sound system.

“We never did figure out where the music was coming from, but we’d like to thank whoever it was—we had our own theme music,” Rumley laughed.

After the paddle, the “coven” went to Pitt Street Brewing on the Pamlico to announce the winners of the on-the-water costume contest. Judges Laura Scoble, of Backwater Jack’s Tiki Bar and Grill, and Scott Campbell, of Coldwell Banker Coastal Rivers Realty, announce the winners.

Prizes included a Pitt Street Brewing pint glass and $25 gift card, and a Sound Rivers’ T-shirt and tote bag. Top prize was two tickets to Sound Rivers’ sold out Oyster Roast on Nov. 15.

Julia Clarke won first place; Sheri Dean won second place and a pup named Kiwi won third place dressed as a taco. Kiwi paddleboarded with his dog mom.

Want to donate to this Sound Rivers’ fundraiser after the fact? We won’t say know! Donate here!