Photographer Captures the Moment Witches Take Over a New Jersey Lake with Paddle Boards in Viral Video (Exclusive) Jordan GreeneOctober 28, 2025 at 3:30 AM 0 Kate Watt Kate Watt captures photos at Witch Paddle event Kate Watt first spotted a post about the Witch Paddle event in Spring Lake, N.J.
- - Photographer Captures the Moment Witches Take Over a New Jersey Lake with Paddle Boards in Viral Video (Exclusive)
Jordan GreeneOctober 28, 2025 at 3:30 AM
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Kate Watt
Kate Watt captures photos at Witch Paddle event -
Kate Watt first spotted a post about the Witch Paddle event in Spring Lake, N.J., on her local community page
The event is hosted by the Live Like Maddie Foundation, which raises awareness for children and families living with rare diseases
For Watt, the event was both festive and deeply meaningful
When Kate Watt first spotted a post about the Witch Paddle event in Spring Lake, N.J., on her local community page, the photographer was instantly intrigued. A chance to capture people paddleboarding around the lake dressed as witches — all while supporting a meaningful cause — sounded too fun to pass up.
When she arrived at the event on Oct. 11, Watt, 27, was amazed by the turnout. Between the paddlers and spectators, she estimates around 150 to 200 people gathered for the event. "Everyone was smiling and happy to see their friends or family out on the water," she tells PEOPLE exclusively. "It was a cool fall morning with the sun peeking out — the perfect vibe for Halloween."
Kate Watt
Photo of people paddle boarding during event
Although she didn't participate on a board, Watt captured photos and videos of the lively scene.
"I was so happy to see everyone dressed up in the most spectacular costumes," she says. "It was incredible to see such an amazing turnout. My mom and I were having the best time seeing everyone out on the water."
"I saw so many amazing costumes, everyone really went all out! I personally loved the first woman in my video, she was fully in character, even making a witch laugh, her costume was perfect!" the photographer adds.
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Each October, the Witch Paddle brings together locals and visitors alike for a whimsical day on the water. Participants don pointy hats, flowing capes and creative witch-themed outfits as they glide across the lake, competing for prizes like "Best Costume" and "Most Spirited Witch."
But beneath the laughter and broomsticks-on-boards, the event has a heartfelt mission: raising funds for the Live Like Maddie Foundation, created in honor of Madison Claire Marmo.
According to the foundation's website, Marmo, who passed away on Dec. 31, 2023, was just 4 years old when she was diagnosed with Dup15q syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a severe and hard-to-treat seizure condition. Her family launched the foundation to raise awareness for children and families living with rare diseases and to celebrate Marmo's joyful, resilient spirit.
For Watt, the event was both festive and deeply meaningful. Inspired by the energy and creativity she witnessed, she decided to share a video from the day on TikTok and Instagram.
Since posting, Watt's video has gone viral, even catching the attention of the Live Like Maddie Foundation, which thanked her for capturing the magic and shared her clip to help promote next year's event.
Kate Watt
People paddle boarding at event
"This sparks much needed joy in these tumultuous times!!" one person commented on the post.
"This is absolutely amazing! We need things like this to bring joy to this crazy world," another wrote.
Someone else replied, "This is awesome 🎃🎃. Wish we had one here in Florida for the grandchildren and me and my wife 🧹."
Kate Watt
People paddle boarding at event
"I've gotten such amazing feedback from so many kind people online," she says. "It feels incredible that I was able to spread this event to so many people and make them smile. Everyone's been so supportive in the comments — it's great to see."
"This event has definitely inspired [me] to attend more events and spend more time with my community," she adds. "I love capturing everything going on around town and can't wait to take more photos soon!"
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