Did someone light the black-flame candle in Salem again? Because, this weekend, we saw the return of one of Hocus Pocus‘ Sanderson sisters. Bette Midler dressed up as the iconic 90s Halloween movie witch, Winifred Sanderson, for the annual Hulaween Party that benefits the New York Restoration Project.
This year’s NYRP event, hosted by Kathy Griffin, had a Witches, Warlocks and Wizards at the Haunted Hotel theme. As founder for the NYRP, Midler arrived at the Waldorf Astoria in full Winifred Sanderson glory — tall orange wig, iconic high collared green dress, a broom (that hopefully won’t be taken by innocent trick-or-treaters) and a mischievous look in her eyes.
Winifred Sanderson flies in to Hulaween! Says thanks to everyone who made it such an electrifying evening!! pic.twitter.com/BTLDs3CVaQ
— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) October 29, 2016
The NYRP was founded by Bette Midler in 1995. The organization is “dedicated to transforming open space in under-resourced communities to create a greener, more sustainable New York City.” According to their website, NYRP is the only citywide conservancy in New York and has brought newly-planted trees, renovated gardens and restored parks throughout the five boroughs.
It’s been more than 20 years since Kenny Ortega directed the classic 90s Disney Halloween tale about the Sanderson sisters, Winifred, Sarah and Mary. The sisters were put to death in Salem after kidnapping Emily Binx, one of many girls captured to prolong the sisters’ eternal youth. After the witches get captured and, eventually, killed, Winifred’s spellbook casts a curse which says that once a virgin lights the flame of the Black Flame Candle, the sisters will be brought back to life to terrorize Salem once more. The movie follows the adventure of three teens, including the skeptical kid who fulfilled Winifred’s prophecy, and an immortal cat, as they try to stop the Sanderson sisters once and for all.
The film became an instant cult movie and a fixture on TV around Halloween. We may not be getting a Hocus Pocus 2, but it was definitely great to see Midler dressed up as her iconic character once more.