The on-again off-again Witches Night Out event is officially back for the 2023 season, according to the newest organizers, a three-team trio of Melanie Behrens, Jessica Warden and Toni Whiteside.

The three witch-enthusiasts took on the project last minute, according to Warden, who is in charge of finding vendors for the event.

“We really wanted to see this still go,” Warden said. “Melanie messaged Toni and myself and said ‘How do you guys feel about being in charge?’”

The ladies are new to planning such a large event that includes licensing, insurance and so many other behind-the-scenes technicalities, and freely ask for grace while they figure out how to put on the “Wicked Event.”

“Melanie got the application for the permit and turned it into the city,” Warden said. “We are waiting for a response from the Owensville Chamber of Commerce to see if we can use their insurance or if we can buy our own. Next week we will know more, including the city’s approval of our permit application.”

Warden said they have heard positive things from City Hall and they don’t foresee any issues with the permit application.

“We already have between 109 and 120 vendors,” Warden said. “There will be anything from psychics to independent sales, arts and crafts, clay jewelry, a person is doing house plants, Pure Romance, Cool Cow Cheese, permanent jewelry, woodworking, lamps, bird houses, safe-to-eat cookie dough and freeze-dried candy and fudge. A hodge-podge of everything. And we will still have DJ Valarie Strange. People can buy teachers this year. Hopefully, we will have wine glasses again next year.”

They are still looking for vendors and donations from the community.

“We are trying to get donations from the community and businesses in town,” she said. “We have sent letters out to the businesses on main and others. They can make monetary donations. They don’t have to, but it is appreciated. We are also doing a raffle so they could donate to the raffle baskets or the swag bags.”

The ladies are also keeping the traditional $5 cover charge, which will be donated to at least two local charities, including Helping Hands Outreach.

“Right now, everything is going through Mel,” Warden said. “If anyone has questions, wants to help or donate, contact her at 636-448-8368 — call or text. Her email is owensvillewitchesnightout@gmail.com.

Behrens was expected to visit with the Owensville Board of Aldermen meeting on Tuesday night after deadline.