From Flash Mob to Charity
- Kitrina Arbuckle
- Aug 27
- 2 min read
From a post on the Irvington Neighborhood Group, to a Flash Mob of Dancing Witches, to official 501(c)(3) status, join us on the spellbinding journey of The Black Hats Society of Irvington.
It was the summer of 2016 when Irvingtonian Karin Mullins posted on a neighborhood Facebook group about doing a flash mob. Her idea was based on the German Dancing Witches, Wolfshäger Hexenbrut. Nobody foresaw the magic that would unfold from that idea. Over the coming months, we will tell our story, our accomplishments, and our fantastical fun through the memories of our members.
Mid-August, 10 years ago, the planning began. The performance would be at A Night Out In Sleepy Hollow, a neighborhood event in Irving Circle Park that is part of The Historic Irvington Halloween Festival. The event is locally known as Spooky Stories for an all-ages writing contest where the authors read their winning stories. As a neighborhood founded on, and inspired by, the arts and literature, it's a meaningful evening steeped in Irvington history. It turned out to be the perfect time and place for the Black Hats Society to don their hats and dance for the first time.
After months of practicing, the group performed an original choreographed dance. The neighborhood loved it and members knew it was the beginning of something bigger than just a flash mob. Camaraderie, creativity, and charity became the founding principles of the group. As membership grew, the group evolved, but kept its core mission of supporting the Halloween Festival and the neighborhood.
The Irvington Dancing Witches started participating in more events and hosting their own. They fundraised through witch fashion shows, calendars, and other merchandise. With the fundraising came the desire for legitimacy. The Council applied for and received 501(c)(3) charity status in 2022. As a nonprofit, the Black Hats Society raises thousands of dollars every year for local organizations.
Our members, now numbering over 160, are still the soul of this group. They devote their time to practice, their talents to making costumes, and their skills with makeup to create the best witches around. Our members have found self-confidence, new skills, laughter, and lifelong friendships. They challenge themselves and step out of their comfort zones. The Irvington Witches volunteer at events, make merchandise, and support one another.
Who knew that putting on a witch costume, dancing, and cackling with your neighbors would grow into this amazing group?
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