Witch Watch set for Sunday

Ghosts, vampires, witches and other creatures of the night will flock to Mason’s Fairfax campus Sunday as Student Government hosts their annual “Witch Watch”.

Witch Watch was originally created for Mason students to take children trick or treating throughout the Fairfax community. It has since evolved from that into campus opening its arms to host a small festival for Halloween with student organizations gathering in the Hampton Roads Area from 1-5 p.m. for children to trick or treat and try out their costumes.

The event will feature activities brought by the organizations, a performance by the Mason Glee Club, and a special appearance from the GMU Men’s Basketball team, according to Rachel Grimesey, chairwoman of University Life,

“I hope that Witch Watch will create ties between the Mason and Fairfax communities that will strengthen the community feel that our campus has with the surrounding area. These connections are essential in having a successful, safe, and spirited community feel in Fairfax,” said Grimesey, who worked to plan the event.

Among the organizations participating is Off-Campus Services who help to bring off-campus students into the Mason community. Mehehvish Khan is the Graduate Assistant for Off-Campus Programs and Services and has participated in Witch Watch in the past as a member of Student Senate.

“It is an important event that brings the communities of Fairfax to campus. It is also a great way for us to give back to the community we are a part of,” Khan said. She also hopes the off-campus students will bring their families to Witch Watch.

Many of Mason’s Greek organization will also be participating including Zeta Tau Alpha, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Phi Kappa Sigma, and Alpha Omicron Pi.

"Zeta Tau Alpha loves participating in Witch Watch every year because we get to see the community coming together,” Zeta Tau Alpha President Julie Palmer said. “It is so neat to see faculty and Fairfax residents enjoying time with their families and interacting with students."

Grimesey said Student Government has reached out to local public schools and Parent Teacher Associations to get the word out in the community. If you or your organization would like to be involved with Witch Watch, please visit Student Government in The Hub on the Fairfax Campus or call at 703-993-2931.