On a perfectly windy, overcast fall morning in South Jeffco, around 40 witches — and some other magical beings — but mostly witches, paddled around Chatfield Reservoir.

Why, you may ask?

Because Oct. 23 just so happened to mark the second annual Witch Paddle.

Shequia, Tara and Honey Mashburn got in on the fun.

“It’s a candy-free, family-friendly Halloween event,” Tara Mashburn said. 

Ashley Dodson, who just moved here from the Pacific Northwest, said she heard about the event on social media and loved the spirit of community the Witch Paddle fostered.

“I’ve always wanted to do one of these events,” she said. “So, when I saw it (the posting), I had to do it.”