The whirlwind weekend is over and life has returned to the normal daily grind, but I’m still smiling ear-to-ear from the memories of the 2011 Midwest Witches Ball.

For those of you who may have been sleeping under a rock for the past couple of months or so, I was a professional sponsor again for this annual event that brings together the Pagan community to network, share, learn from each other, and grow.

We also love to just let loose and have fun; an open bar sure helps provide the social lubrication for that. Never let it be said that we don’t know how to throw a damn good party. The hotel after-parties are also known to get a bit… interesting. I don’t think anyone will ever forget my first Ball experience, as it will go down in infamy. The exact details of which I am still hazy on, and there are those who are still haunted by images of the night’s events. If any of you are fans of the show How I Met Your Mother you’ll understand when I say that sometimes real life has its “Pineapple Incidents.”

But, I digress…

This year marked the 15th year for the event and the 7th one that I’ve attended; I’ve never been disappointed or let down. A buffet dinner, open bar, and dancing the night away with friends- all for $35 a ticket just can’t be beat. One of my favorite activities is the spiral dance- 7 minutes of pure joy and energy!

But this year had some interesting changes. Not only was it at a larger hall with the hotel attached, but included a free family event called the Witches Bazaar. There were dozens of vendors selling everything from hand-crafted art to palm readings, and relaxation tables. Candles and incense filled the air with their intoxicating scents and the bustle of feet and conversation added sound to the chorus of excitement.

My best friend in the entire world, Racheal, helped with my booth and I could not have done this without her. She’s simply amazing and the kindest person the world will ever know. I can’t possibly ever thank her enough. I am truly blessed with the world’s best souls to count as my friends. 🙂

I couldn’t have asked for a better spot, either- right across from another one of my dearest friends, Ambrosia. Owner of Magickal Crafts, she was there selling her amazing photography, hand-crafted jewelry, and stunning artwork. She also happens to be Lead Investigator for my group, the Deep Forest Paranormal Society. She’s one very talented lady.

We arrived fashionably late, as the bazaar was already in full swing. I greeted and chatted with attendees and other vendors in between hurriedly setting up my booth. What was amazing was that I was already making connections and sales before I had a chance to sit back and take in everything happening around me. It was great! I was meeting fans and learning about how they’ve come to be familiar with my work. I felt my pride and honor swell up as they complimented me not just on my writing, but on who I was as a person.

That’s what I love most of all; that’s what I get out of all of this. It’s not just about slapping some words on a page and presenting it to the reading world, it’s about connecting with people on a very real and very personal level. One couple was not aware that I was going to be there and the husband was telling me how he has one of my books and would have loved to get it signed.

The event also had several workshops and classes scheduled; Ambrosia and I did an introduction to ghost hunting in the main ball room. It was a larger crowd than we expected and I am so grateful to all those who attended and participated. Their comments and discussion during the Q&A were a highlight of my day. I’m hoping someone out there has pictures of the workshop. If you do, please contact me.

I had amazing success, both professionally and personally, at the event and came a few items away from completely selling out! Hey, makes packing up all the easier, right? The vendor next to me was a local store called Mystic Moon, located in Madison Heights, Michigan. They approached me about buying copies of my books for sale at their store. Cool!

About 15 minutes before the end of the event I sold some signed copies to them for their shop and no sooner did I walk back that someone approached my booth looking for one of the books. I laughed as I had to direct him to the table next to me. Now that’s what I call a fast turn around! They made a sale, I made a sale, and a fan has a book to enjoy time and again. Everyone wins. That, my friends, is just awesome.

Chest puffed out in success I took my two best friends in this, or any life, Racheal and Danielle, out for a late lunch before heading back to the hotel to get all dressed up for the Ball. A nice little Middle eEstern place called Cedar Grill.

The Ball was so much fun and many of us agree that it was the best one yet. We also can’t wait for next year and are already making plans!

There was a snafu this year and we didn’t have a full course meal, but a small selection of finger foods instead. It was fine; still well worth the price to attend and a great time. I go for the people, not for the food. Since we had well over 500 attendees the lobby was converted into bar and food stations. My god, the station for the mixed drinks was lined up all night long. Next year I suggest a soft drinks/water only station and a carefully planned set up of where each station is.

Each year also has a theme and this time around was Through the Looking Glass. Here’s a great pick of Constance and her hubby, who, by the way, was runner up for king of the ball.

This has got to be the most successful, fun, enjoyable, and memorable event I’ve had yet in my still-growing literary career. I will always be grateful for each item sold, even if I sit for hours and only meet one person. After all, I know that it’s the fans that make you or break you.

I want to personally and sincerely thank every single one of you. Whether you were there in spirit, just stopped by, or purchased a book to help support the creative arts. I want to thank all of those who attended the ghost hunting lecture as well.

Professional success aside, it’s all about friendship and the energy that we share with each other as we walk our separate paths. That’s the very core of the Witches Ball. It doesn’t matter where it’s held, how much it costs, or what it includes. It’s about the people. The community.

On to next year!

 © 2011 R. Wolf Baldassarro/Deep Forest Productions