The 2024 Wickedly Whiting Fest took place in Whiting, Indiana, on October 4th and 5th, transforming the city’s downtown area along 119th Street into a hub for all things Halloween. The festival offered a wide range of family-friendly activities, including themed live performances, food vendors, a beer garden, and a special Market of the Living Dead for fans of Halloween themed shopping.
The event kicked off on Friday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and continued on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Among the festival’s main stage highlights was Jezzibel Presents Entertaining Chaos, a spellbinding sideshow performance that ran both nights, and The Witches Dance, which occurred at 7 p.m. on both days. Saturday also featured a series of costume contests for pets, kids, and adults, as well as performances by local groups like The Marian Theatre Guild, Michelle’s Dance Center, and The Dance Connections.
The festival offered a wide variety of attractions and activities. Whiting Chamber of Commerce board member, Mandy Vargo, highlighted Jezzibel Presents Entertaining Chaos as a must-see performance, featuring fire performers, contortionists, and other thrilling acts. This year, the festival also included a haunted house by Wicked Willows Productions and a nostalgic 'Slashback' theme that paid tribute to classic horror films from the 80s and 90s, like Nightmare on Elm Street and Halloween.
“We see so many people who love to come dressed up in costumes, and it’s always fun to see entire families participate, sometimes even coordinating their outfits,” said Whiting Chamber of Commerce Vice President Linda Gajewski.
“One of the reasons Wickedly Whiting stands out is that it's unique to the Region. No one else does Halloween like we do," said Karen Anaszewicz, executive director of the Mascot Hall of Fame. “We offer plenty of family-friendly events in a laid-back atmosphere. People love attending because it's well-organized and busy but not overwhelming, creating a very comfortable environment for everyone.”
The Wickedly Whiting Fest serves as a significant boost to the local economy, especially benefiting small businesses. According to Anaszewicz, the event draws in visitors from outside the area, providing exposure to shops that attendees might not have encountered otherwise. This fest continues to create valuable opportunities for local businesses to attract new patrons and gain visibility in a broader market.
“The festival is a great boost for the local economy, especially for small businesses,” said Anaszewicz. “It brings in people from outside the area who might not have experienced our shops before. It’s great exposure for businesses that otherwise might not get that attention.”
“Some people note that the event is too scary for their kids, but on Saturday from 11 a.m. to sunset, we make it more family-friendly,” said Vargo. "After sunset, though, it’s a different story. It's a no-holds-barred Halloween fest. This is our ninth year, so we want to go all out.”
The 2024 Wickedly Whiting Fest continues to grow as a beloved local tradition, offering both spooky entertainment and economic benefits for Whiting. The festival showcases the creativity of the community and draws in visitors from across the Region with its unique blend of family-friendly activities and eerie performances. As volunteers, performers, and businesses come together to make the event possible, Wickedly Whiting continues to strengthen the connection between the community and its small businesses. Each year, the festival offers an unforgettable experience that highlights the spirit of Halloween and Whiting’s vibrant local culture.
To learn more about the City of Whiting, visit whitingindiana.com.
