Witches on the Lake returns to Lake Natoma

If you see a whole lot of witches and other characters paddle boarding on Lake Natoma on Oct. 18, not to worry, it's just the annual Witches On the Lake event ahead of Halloween. This annual paddle-for-a-cause event offers a lot of fun but also supports a serious issue by raising money for the fight against childhood cancer, say organizers. The event partner, Keaton's Child Cancer Alliance, is a local non-profit which offers aid to local Sacramento-area children facing cancer. Witches on the Lake organizers say 100 percent of participant donations go to Keaton's Child Cancer Alliance. The event is planned for Oct. 18 at 4 p.m. on Lake Natoma. Event organizer, local realtor Janay Taua, said last year over 1,200 people participated in the event and they anticipate the same number this year.One especially big draw of the event was the trick-or-treat stations on the water, said organizers. This event will be included in the festivities again this year, though registrants are asked to indicate how many children they are bringing to participate. Schedule for the event: Throw on a witch/wizard costume, grab your paddleboard or kayak, and meet at Black Miner's Bar on Lake Natoma as early as 4 p.m. The event goes until Sunset.* Children can trick or treat on the water. Children can trick-or-treat on the water between 4 and 5 p.m.* Paddle to the Rainbow Bridge Area by 5:30 p.m. for a group photo. Photographs will be taken from above as well as at water level. There is $10 for parking at Black Miners Bar. This is described as a family-friendly Halloween community event, and all ages are welcome. All paddlers must follow California state boating safety laws and have a life jacket aboard any watercraft. Children ages 12 and under must wear a life jacket. State Parks will have a limited number available to give those who don't have one. Individual registration is required: Every single participant (adults and children) must have their own separate registration and signed liability waiver on file. If you are bringing children, a parent or legal guardian must complete a separate form for each child to sign their minor waiver and indicate trick-or-treat participation.Once you submit this form, click the link on the confirmation screen to submit the next one for each additional paddler in your group. Organizers anticipate more than 1,000 participants this year; updates will be posted on the Facebook event page Witches on the Lake and @witchesonthelake on Instagram.Businesses or organizations that would like to be a sponsor for the event may contact the organizer, Janay Taua, at 916-337-3669 or janay@tauarealty.com.