The Irvington Halloween Festival turns 80 this year, making it the same age as the microwave, the bikini and the first round of Baby Boomers. The once-humble street festival now brings up to 80,000 people for a weeklong party in the neighborhood named after Washington Irving, who wrote “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” in 1820.
This year, local creatives are doing a side project that pays tribute to Irvington’s literary side at the Backlot, 5635 Bonna Ave. “The Witches Cauldron: Library of Legends” will take you through a 3D storybook where you’ll meet costumed actors, solve puzzles and play games. Your job: “Become the hero of your own story and help find the missing librarian to save the day.”
“Everything is thrifted, repurposed or handmade on a shoestring budget by volunteers,” said Amber Houston, one of the artists. “It’s not spooky or Halloween-themed—it’s just a light-hearted gift to the community.”
Collectively, the four artists behind “Library of Legends” — Houston, Marc Ebtinger, Karma Hamm and Christopher Ozminkowski — have quite a resumé of talents: Singing, dancing, writing, set building and even lampshade designing. In other words, with their broad level of imagination, “Library of Legends” isn’t a book that will put you to sleep.
The Witches Cauldron: Library of Legends
- What: An interactive adventure for all ages, but designed for kids 10 and younger.
- When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 31.
- Where: Backlot: Makerspace and Venue, 5635 Bonna Ave.
- Cost: $10 suggested donation.
- Advice: “Bring your inner child.”
- More info: Visit their Facebook page.
This is everyone’s second year doing Witches Cauldron. What did last year teach you?
Hamm: “Not all witches are as bad as they seem at first glance. Sometimes they just need a snack and a nap.”
Houston: “Finished is better than perfect.”
Ebtinger: “People of all ages love to do and participate, rather than just watch.”
Ozminkowski: “Invite more people to get involved. So many people are looking for ways to be creative.”
What part of “Library of Legends” did you create that you’re most proud of?
Hamm: “Something out of this world!”
Houston: “Last year I worked on a giant mushroom. It’s returning this season after some repairs.”
Ebtinger: “The light and sound effects.”
Ozminkowski: “I really felt good after creating the footprint stamps … you’ll see when you get there.”
Will you be in costume? What will you wear?
Hamm: “Something blueish.”
Houston: “Yes. I’m not sure of the details yet, but it’ll be comfortable.”
Ebtinger: “Pirate costume.”
Ozminkowski: “I sure will, but can’t reveal that yet.”
What’s your all-time biggest costume fail?
Hamm: “Trying to eat a slice of pizza with a fake bushy beard for a Bob Ross costume.”
Houston: “The temporary black hair dye I used wouldn’t wash out, even after paying a professional to chemically remove it.”
Ozminkowski: “In high school, I dressed up as Ed Grimly, the character from ‘SNL.’ In order to get my hair to look like his, I loaded up my hair with Vaseline. I had to go to school with Vaseline in my hair for the next couple days because I could not get it out, no matter how much I washed it.”
Ebtinger: “Doing a quick change in a burlesque show … I put on the wrong costume.”
Since July, you’ve spent a lot of hours on “Library of Legends.” What do you do when you’re not bringing stories to life?
Hamm: “I’m a real estate agent, I make hand-sewn lampshades and I do occasional stage craft work. I’ve also joined the Harmony Collected Community Choir.”
Houston: “I cook, participate in a book club, do yin yoga and recruit friends into the Harmony Collected Community Choir.”
Ebtinger: “I do stagecraft for touring musicals and got very involved with the Backlot. I love to invent, create and get friends to do things together. Also, I am French – I cook.”
Ozminkowski: “Enjoy life.” (He is also the author of a children’s book about two dogs.)
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