Witches return to haunt Jensen Point

This year, proceeds will benefit Vashon Teen Council and Vashon Nature Center.

Despite a particularly wet Saturday morning, witches young and old braved gray skies and chilly waters at Jensen Point for the fifth annual Witches Paddle.

The Halloween-themed event has become a beloved island tradition, with participants donning pointed hats and flowing capes as they take to paddleboards, kayaks and canoes. Each year, the organizer selects two local organizations to benefit from bake sale proceeds. This year’s beneficiaries were the Vashon Teen Council and the Vashon Nature Center.

The whimsical paddle is part of a growing national trend, with witches across the U.S. organizing similar events to celebrate Halloween.

(Kent Phelan Photo)

(Kent Phelan Photo)

Participants paddle through gray skies and light rain at Jensen Point, keeping the island’s witchy Halloween tradition afloat. (Kent Phelan Photo)

Participants paddle through gray skies and light rain at Jensen Point, keeping the island’s witchy Halloween tradition afloat. (Kent Phelan Photo)

(Kent Phelan Photo)

(Kent Phelan Photo)

(Kent Phelan Photo)

(Kent Phelan Photo)

Witches and warlocks launch from Jensen Point, raising funds for the Vashon Teen Council and Vashon Nature Center. (Kent Phelan Photo)

Witches and warlocks launch from Jensen Point, raising funds for the Vashon Teen Council and Vashon Nature Center. (Kent Phelan Photo)

(Kent Phelan Photo)

(Kent Phelan Photo)

(Kent Phelan Photo)

(Kent Phelan Photo)