STAUNTON, Va. (WHSV) – Staunton children and their families had a chance to celebrate spooky season and contribute to a good cause at the “Whimsally Witchy” trick-or-treat event Friday night .
“Whimsally Witchy” is not only family-friendly, but also a fundraiser for art and music programs at Staunton’s three elementary schools and one middle school. All funds raised will be donated to Bessie Weller Elementary School, McSwain Elementary School, Ware Elementary School, and Shelburne Middle School. This is the first year that the middle school is participating in the fundraiser.
The success of last time has children and families coming back year after year, excited to see the spooky decorations.
“We saw witches, witch’s pots, mummies, vampires, that’s it,” said elementary school student Aurora.
Participants had fun wearing costumes.
“I’m dressed up as a ninja turtle,” said Teddy, an elementary school student.
“I’m Bumblebee,” said Max, an elementary school student.
Some people showed up in pairs.
“It’s Wednesday (Adams) for us,” said elementary school students Dottie and Zoe in unison.
Even the youngest participants were excited to show off their costumes.
“I’m a pumpkin,” said 2-year-old Laney.
Every year, “Whimsally Witchy” is held in Camille Dierkshyde’s front yard. Children toured an elaborate display with music, lights, decorations and volunteers, and then received candy.
Dieksheide is a parent herself and wanted the event to be accessible to all ages. Therefore, we made sure that nothing was too scary for young children.
“They came through the creepy cemetery with the witches,” Dierksheide said. “We have a 9-foot pole that launches bats. We’ve run fog machines.”
As a classically trained singer, Dierksheide is passionate about supporting music and arts programs.
“Art and music have always been important to me as a child and have been extremely important to me as an adult, but they are usually the first to lose funding or not have enough funding to begin with. Funding the arts and music is really important.”
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