Press Release—Witches Worldwide to Converge on Salem, Massachusetts for Official Salem Witches' Halloween Ball
Salem, MA -- July 17, 2003 -- On October 31, 2003, Witches, tourists, and other travelers from around the globe will journey to Salem, Massachusetts to attend The Official Salem Witches' Halloween Ball, an evening of reveling and cavorting with the spirit world. This international gathering of Witches is held annually at the Lyceum Bar and Grill, a haunted restaurant in the heart of historic Salem. The Witches' Ball is hosted by Shawn Poirier and Christian Day, elders of the Salem Tradition of Witchcraft and founders of Salem's annual Festival of the Dead, an October event series that celebrates the spirits with revelry and ritual. Tickets for the ball and details of the event are available online at www.festivalofthedead.com/witchesball. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Make-A-Wish(r) foundation.

Bewitchments of the evening include sumptuous hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar serving all manner of potions, Tarot readers gazing into the future, a performance by sorcerer of song Teisan Russell, music and dance, and prizes that include Amtrak(r) train tickets, enchanting gift baskets, Cryptique(r) Spirit Boards and a cash prize for best costume.

At the evening's pinnacle, Salem's foremost Witches Shawn Poirier, Christian Day, and the Salem Coven will cast the annual Salem Witches' Magic Circle, to draw open the veil to the spirit world and conjure the dead!

This year's costume theme, Dante's Inferno: Raise Hell with the Salem Witches, explores the myth of the underworld, a realm of mystery that has inspired both wonder and fear, expressed in such works as Dante's well-known literary portrayal of tormented souls. Salem Witches insist that this otherworldly domain is not a place of evil or suffering, but a land of spirits, faeries, and creatures of legend. Guests will represent these myths in costume to honor the denizens of the underworld and raise them up!

The Lyceum, where the ball is held each year, welcomes guests into the haunting atmosphere of an early nineteenth century meeting place with rooms drenched in candlelight, glowing fireplaces, exposed brick and beams, and majestic windows. It is the site of Alexander Graham Bell's first public demonstration of the telephone (a device once thought to be able to contact the dead) and the former site of Witch Trials victim Bridget Bishop's apple orchard. Some say that her spirit still haunts the Lyceum today.

The Official Salem Witches' Halloween Ball gathers Witches together from across the globe. Tickets can be purchased online at www.festivalofthedead.com/witchesball.

About Shawn Poirier and Christian Day
Shawn Poirier is the founder and High Priest of the Salem Tradition of Witchcraft and is an internationally renowned psychic and medium. Christian Day is an elder and scholar of Salem Witchcraft and founder of SalemTarot.com, a popular Web destination for Tarot enthusiasts. Shawn and Christian have been featured in such media as Showtime, The Discovery Channel, The Travel Channel, the BBC, MTV, The Joan Rivers Show, Playgirl, Sports Illustrated, Artisan Films, and, (of course) The Salem Evening News.

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