The Irvington Halloween Festival, now in its 80th year, is expanding its community offerings with a new interactive attraction. At the Backlot, located at 5635 Bonna Avenue, volunteers have created “The Witches Cauldron: Library of Legends,” a 3‑D storybook experience that invites participants to become the hero of their own tale and help locate a missing librarian.
Volunteer‑driven creativity
“Everything is thrifted, repurposed or handmade on a shoestring budget by volunteers,” said Amber Houston, one of the four artists behind the project. The team—Houston, Marc Ebtinger, Karma Hamm and Christopher Ozminkowski—brings a diverse set of skills, including singing, dancing, set building and even lampshade design. Their goal is to provide a light‑hearted, non‑spooky gift to the neighborhood.
What visitors can expect
Guests will wander through a whimsical, costumed environment, solve puzzles, and play games as they search for the missing librarian. The experience is designed for all ages, with each artist highlighting a favorite element of the installation. Hamm is proud of an “out‑of‑this‑world” piece, Houston showcases a repaired giant mushroom from last year, Ebtinger points to the light and sound effects, and Ozminkowski enjoys the footprint stamps that visitors can see up close.
Costumes and community spirit
All four creators will be in costume during the event. Hamm hints at a “blueish” outfit, Houston says her costume will be comfortable, Ebtinger plans a pirate look, and Ozminkowski keeps his choice under wraps. Their enthusiasm reflects the festival’s broader mission to bring together residents for creative expression.
Beyond the festival
When not building immersive experiences, the artists remain active in the community. Hamm works as a real‑estate agent, makes hand‑sewn lampshades, and sings with the Harmony Collected Community Choir. Houston cooks, participates in a book club, practices yin yoga and also sings with the choir. Ebtinger does stagecraft for touring musical productions and enjoys cooking French cuisine. Ozminkowski, author of a children’s book about two dogs, simply says he “enjoys life.”
Festival context
The Irvington Halloween Festival draws up to 80,000 visitors each year, celebrating the neighborhood named after Washington Irving, author of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” This year’s “Library of Legends” marks the second season of the Witches Cauldron project, building on the success and lessons of the inaugural run.
Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, reports that the festival continues to rely on grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations. The event remains a cornerstone of Irvington’s cultural calendar, offering families a safe, creative space to enjoy the Halloween season.
Original reporting: Mirror Indy — read the source article.
