Witches’ Night Out in Joliet conjures cash for nonprofit groups

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Event Chairwoman Kathy Mihelich (right) and Vendor Chairwoman Judy Erwin enjoy the fruits of their labor at the second annual Witches' Night Out on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011, in Joliet, Ill. | Jan Larsen ~ For Sun-Times Media

Updated: December 1, 2011 8:22AM

JOLIET — A scream pierced the darkness Thursday night in downtown Joliet. It was followed by several cackles as more than 1,000 area women dusted off their brooms and found their inner witch for the second annual Witches’ Night Out at the Joliet Renaissance Center.

And they were a raucous bunch.

No, it wasn’t Salem. And while there were plenty of witch hunts, it was all in good fun — and for charity.

Witches’ Night Out was conceived last year by Judy Erwin of Plainfield and Kathy Mihelich of Joliet after they witnessed similar events in other towns.

They gathered a committee to organize decorations, contests, music, vendors, sponsors, raffles and a host of other duties to make it a big event.

“Women love to dress up,” said Mihelich, chairwoman.

“What’s neat about this event is that it’s for charity but it’s so affordable,” said Erwin, who is vendor chairwoman. “A lot of us can’t afford $250 or more for a gala ticket. Our admission price is only $10.”

No gala in this area has as many decorations, that’s for sure. It was Witch Central from the museum to the atrium, from the rooftop to the ballroom, with every available inch draped in the latest and greatest Halloween decorations, many from the committee members’ homes.

Fifty-three vendors sold goods ranging from hand-spun wool scarves to homemade candy. Harvest Moon performed music live and participants could pay a little extra to have their fortune told, enjoy a buffet dinner and get souvenir photos, T-shirts and glasses filled with a green drink.

Nearly 800 women showed up the first year. This year’s count isn’t official yet, but organizers say they beat last year’s numbers.

A few men braved the event, one dressed as the Phantom of the Opera and another as a werewolf.

This year, proceeds will go to Spanish Community Center Daycare, Stepping Stones and Lamb’s Fold, all United Way agencies that benefit women. For more information, go to witchesnightout.com.