By Danielle Smith

Leader Staff Writer

If you own a bubbling cauldron, love to fly on a broom in the moonlight and cackle with delight every time you turn someone into a frog, downtown Oxford has the event for you.

Witches Night Out is set to cast its spell over Oxford on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 4 to 10 p.m.

Everyone is welcome to participate in this “ladies night out with a Halloween twist,” said Ann Jones, co-owner of Funky Monkey Toys, who is leading the event with Nicolette Shagena, co-owner of Caveman and Pip.

Witches are invited to land in Centennial Park where 500 tote bags filled with items will be waiting for those

that come dressed in the proper attire. From there, guests will be given a map of all 25 participating businesses (as of Oct. 19) and their special offers and attractions for the event.

As guests make their way from restaurant to store, there will be street performers, musicians, a pop-up market and more to enjoy while browsing downtown.

For those who like a little competition, there will be a costume contest to determine who is the best at embracing their inner witch.

Those looking to participate will head over to HomeGrown Brewing Company between 9 and 10 p.m. to have their photo taken and uploaded to the “Oxford’s Witches’ Night Out” Facebook page. The photo with the most “likes” will win a “high-value prize basket,” Jones said.

When asked what she hopes the takeaway of the night will be, Jones said, “(A) lively night out with girlfriends and hopefully expose them to new and different businesses that they might not have even been aware of.”

“If you’re from Oxford, hopefully you will discover something new, and if you have never been to Oxford and you are coming from out of town, it is a great way to get a microsample of our downtown experience,” Jones continued.

For “extra special, specials,” there will be a witching hour from 4 to 6 p.m. where visitors can take advantage of drink and/or food specials at participating locations.

Witches Night Out will be collecting donations for House of Providence, an Oxford facility that provides 24-hour housing, care and supervision for foster youth.