CLEVELAND – Columbiana, Ohio is a small city located in northeastern Ohio, primarily in Columbiana County, with a portion extending into Mahoning County. It’s situated about 20 miles south of Youngstown and 60 miles northwest of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Columbiana is the birthplace of Harvey S. Firestone, the founder of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company. His name and legacy are everywhere including a park and a historical marker commemorating him. it is a quintessential small-town America complete with antique shops, a Shaker festival, the “Joy of Christmas Light Show,” where you can “visit the Gingerbread House for Mrs. Claus’ Story Time every Thursday and Sunday.”
Witch Walk logo – Columbiana Chamber of Commerce
Last year, Columbiana had Witch Walk, sponsored by their Chamber of Commerce and mirroring the “Witches Night Out” event in the nearby Pennsylvania town of Volant. The Witch Walk on Main had promised to be “an immersive experience that transports attendees into a world of sorcery, laughter, and awe-inspiring creativity. With an array of bewitching activities, attendees can revel in a full day of festivities, including spellbinding contests, mystical quests, and unearthly contests.” The event attracted individuals from the whole area, they watched the film, Hocus Pocus, and enjoyed the fall air together. By all accounts, it was a success.
This year, The Columbiana Chamber of Commerce announced plans for the Witch Walk again as a “whimsical day of magical merriment” scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
No sooner did the event hit Facebook than there was uproar, fully manifesting last week at the Citi Council Meeting last Thursday, August 22, 2024.
Bridget Wolsonovich, Columbiana Chamber of Commerce executive director, began by insisting it would be a fun, spooky-filled afternoon and evening with nothing “nefarious” about the Witch Walk. “There is no religious connotation with the event,” Wolsonovich said. “Nor any animal or children sacrifices.”
(Editorial Note: We think this is good news and good planning.)
To her credit, Wolsonovich explained that the term “witch” originally referred to a wise woman who used plants and herbs to heal others. Presumably hoping to ease concerns, she also added “There’ll be other events like costume contests, a broom riding contest, last year we did a cackling contest.”
Critics were unconvinced and disagreed. They noted that the event is on Main Street which practically has a “church on every corner.”
One person noted, “whether you realize it or not, (this type of event) normalizes witchcraft and evil.”
WFMJ received a statement from Pastor Cyndi Midlick of First United Methodist Church about the Witches Walk:
I know many find it to be absurd that people would consider the Witch Walk on Main to be a threat to their children and/ or Village. It is meant to be an innocent fun day for the children. I don’t have a problem with children looking to play games, win prizes, and collect candy. But this event goes beyond the innocent children dressing up. Many will laugh at the push back but you need to realize that witchcraft, sorcery, and Satanic worshipping is real. My biggest problem with this event last year was the advertising in the Mourning Journal by the Chamber. Below you will find the last statement in the advertising.
“This enchanting event is made possible through the collaboration of businesses, volunteers, and the whole community’s boundless enthusiasm for all things magical,” the Chamber said. “If you’re a seasoned sorcerer or a curious seeker of magic, the Witch Walk on Main promises an unforgettable night of mystical wonders and cherished memories.”
Inviting into the Village seasoned sorcerers and curious seekers of magic. I believe this invite was not meant to do harm, but those that read this invitation may read it in a different manner. We just need to be careful in what we dabble.
At the City Council, one speaker said that she has seen people go to these “Witch Parties” and “have gotten high.” They’ve “done things that they shouldn’t do.”
Others quoted The Bible with the usual and tired reference to Deuteronomy.
Critics also demanded the event be renamed some kind of fall harvest festival, though we doubt they would take suggestions like the Mabon Stroll.
(Editorial Note: and then, we have to report, it didn’t go where we thought it would)
The community pushed back. Individuals shared very sensible responses such as “If you don’t like it, then don’t attend” and “Stay home and watch TV or pray – you do what your family wants, we will do what we want.”
Others were, of course, more colorful in comments,
via Newsbreak comment site
Tammy Cunningham wrote on Facebook, “My adult daughter and myself went, we had a great time. We dressed up, which I loved doing. She took her pet ferret and even dressed her up. We liked the scavenger hunt as well. It was a great day. Everyone seemed to have enjoyed themselves.” Others made suggestions on adding to the event, like vendor decorations.
Craig Kyle wrote, “Don’t give in, keep the name, WITCH WALK. As a lifetime resident of Columbiana, I’m embarrassed this is even being discussed.”
One community leader, President of Grace Church administration – a Christian fellowship – Mark Frost sent a very reasonable statement to the local News station WFMJ,
As president of the governing body of Grace Church of Columbiana, I can tell you that the church has not taken any position on the Witch’s Walk.
Speaking for myself only, I’m sure the intent of the event was to have fun and to promote commerce in Columbiana. It is an entirely voluntary event and families with concerns are free to choose not to attend.
Wolsonovich was also undeterred by the critic’s negativity. She explained that the costumes, crystals, crochet, crafts, and even fortune-telling all embrace the creative aspects of the season. “It’s unfortunate that some people feel the need to take something intended to be joyful, inclusive, and community-building and turn it into yet another point of division,” she said.
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