The Cracker Barrel witch statue holds a distinctive place in American folklore. This wooden carving, often found adorning the walls or shelves of Cracker Barrel gift shops, represents a popular image associated with the Halloween season. The statue typically portrays a traditional witch, complete with a pointed hat, broomstick, and cauldron. It carries a whimsical and sometimes slightly spooky charm, captivating both children and adults alike. The craftsmanship of these statues varies, with some being finely carved and hand-painted, while others have a more rustic appearance. Cracker Barrel, a popular chain of country-style restaurants and gift shops, became famous for its nostalgic theme and cozy atmosphere.
Oakland’s Magic Kitchen
A series of culinary experiences that sparks children’s eagerness to help in the kitchen, hosted by Fairyland’s new puppet mascot, Quercus, and local Guest Chefs!
Children’s Fairyland partners with Visit Oakland to invite the culinary curious for a very new event series, Oakland’s Magic Kitchen! Hosted by Quercus (kwur-kuhs), Fairyland’s brand-new puppet mascot, and a Guest Chef from Oakland’s culinary world, each event engages the audience in playful kitchen antics and demystifies the basics of cooking.
The final cooking show of the year is approaching soon and you are cordially invited to meet, greet, and eat. Saturday, November 11 will be a day filled with food, community, and wellness—it's a 3 for 1!
11:30 a.m.: Join us in Aesop’s Playhouse for Oakland’s Magic Kitchen. Teaming up for one day only, Chef Mica Talmor , the owner and creative force behind Pomella , and Quercus, Fairyland’s furry mascot, spark children’s eagerness to help out in the kitchen while sharing food facts and culinary basics. Together, we’ll watch in awe as Mica whips up a unique recipe for an apple and veggie salad plus fresh pita bread–the same pita bread served at Pomella! Onstage alongside Chef Mica, Quercus will ask questions to unveil the magic behind creating the delicious, nutritious treat.
After the show, all guests will have the chance to taste and take home the recipe!
But that's not all —explore the park and check out some incredible community partners joining us for this fun, food-filled day:
1-3 p.m.: Community Kitchens is bringing their Mobile Oasis to the park. It’s a new food-justice tool getting food and water to those in our community who need it. Inspired by ice cream trucks, the painted school bus plays music by local musicians to let folks know when Community Kitchens’ high-quality meals are available for anyone who needs them! They’re designing a new snack pack for kids and your kids will get to taste the options and vote for their favorites!
1-3 p.m.: Stop by Roots Community Health Center for an enriching activity and to learn more about their various programs, including the Roots Community Market that provides a variety of free nutritious foods and hygiene products to community members.
It’s a Saturday service! The lineup of Oakland's Magic Kitchen chefs:
September 16: Chef/Owner, Tamearra Dyson , Souley Vegan (*Oakland Vegan Trail Restaurant!)
October 7: Chef/Owner, Imani Greer , Roasted and Raw (*Oakland Vegan Trail Restaurant!)
November 11: Chef/Owner, Mica Talmor , Pomella
*What’s the Oakland Vegan Trail?
Visit Oakland launches the Oakland Vegan Trail, an online gastronomic guide that boasts 20+ plant-based restaurants found in The Town. With culinary hot spots serving up delicious globally inspired vegan cuisine from American to Chinese to Ethiopian, Filipino, Mexican, Thai and so much more, visitors can taste their way around the world – all while staying in Oakland. There’s even vegan coffee, donuts, and ice cream!
Often referred to as the “Brooklyn by the Bay,” Oakland has an abundance to offer visitors, particularly when it comes to food – specifically, plant-based food. Visit Oakland has carved out a culinary experience that caters to vegans. The trail showcases the city’s lively vegan food scene while highlighting local vegan gems ranging from family-owned eateries, to popups, to startups, to those recognized by the highly regarded Michelin Guide.
The Oakland Vegan Trail includes an overview of each restaurant, with menu highlights, location, and contact information. A detailed map directs visitors to the array of vegan restaurants scattered throughout Oakland’s vibrant neighborhoods. The online guide also includes a hearty sidebar that lists Oakland’s Vegetarian restaurants.
Chef Tamearra Dyson of Souley Vegan and Chef Imani Greer of Roasted + Raw are featured on the Oakland Vegan Trail. Check out the more than 20 vegan restaurants on the map: visitoakland.com/restaurants/oakland-vegan-trail/
Chef/Owner, Tamearra Dyson
Chef Tamearra Dyson was a single mother with zero capital when she opened her first restaurant in 2009 with about $20 something dollars in the cash register and built it from there. This 2,700 ft location now serves as the flag ship location. Since Covid 2020, Chef Dyson has opened three Souley Vegan ghost kitchens in Las Vegas, San Francisco and Los Angeles. In addition, Tamearra has recently opened a sister location that sits right behind the original Souley Vegan location in Oakland. The new restaurant is called “The Back Porch, which a Cajun bar with upscale bites and serves as a “little sister” to Souley Vegan.
Recently beating Bobby Flay on the January 20, 2022 episode A Deal to Beat Bobby was the culmination of her years of hard work and her passion and creativity of vegan cooking. Having been on The Food Network a few times before, but appearing on Beat Bobby Flay was something that chef Dyson is terribly excited about. Chef Dyson holds so much respect for Chef Flay, not only for what he’s accomplished but how far he has come with his work and dedication.
Chef Dyson having come from an extremely underprivileged background enjoys motivational speaking, mentoring others, and of course the obvious…creating new recipes. Public speaking is her passion, and she wishes to one day have more time to dive into this area as she feels that she has a lot to share. Her wish is to inspire and motivate others,
Chef Dyson has accumulated many accolades from best vegan restaurant to best soul food restaurant to being voted one of the top 10 soul food restaurants in the country by USA Today . She was also voted entrepreneur of the week by Black Enterprise. She has served celebrities such as Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu, and Eric Benét. Additionally, her okra gumbo was voted a Weight Watchers favorite for Oprah Winfrey‘s “2020 Vision: Your Life in Focus” tour.
Chef Dyson has been invited to speak at Tesla, several colleges, and the list goes on. Her goal is to have a future cooking show and speaking engagements, allowing her to share her story with others.
To find Tamearra on social media:
To book Tamearra, contact:
Jackie Lewis, Jackie Lewis Media
Fairyland: Merge and Magic
Welcome to the merge island full of the most amazing pieces that you will ever merge! It looks nothing like your ordinary fairytales but is a unique collection of merge fables spiced up with true merge magic. This endless world of wonder merge is full of possibilities. The sky is your limit! Always dreamed about having a dragon? You can merge dragons, unicorns, leprechauns, or other fantastic beasts! It's your merge world and your rules. Make your dragon merge now and have fun with your dragon farm! Love playing collecting games or merging games? Use your mergefield to create your merge county, merge kingdom or even a merge universe and fill it with an infinite number of gorgeous buildings and creatures. What merger is it going to be next? Key Features: - Familiar characters in new and exciting circumstances. - Intriguing plot with an amazing main story and thrilling side quests. - Countless new lands to reveal and discoveries to make. - Fantastic merge puzzle quests to complete and rewards to collect. Wonder what it's like to have such a mergical experience? Stop questioning yourself and jump right into this fantastic merge game full of merge tales. If you love merge games and discoveries, then Once upon a merge is a perfect fit for you!
Cracker Barrel, a popular chain of country-style restaurants and gift shops, became famous for its nostalgic theme and cozy atmosphere. The addition of the witch statue to their extensive collection of curated memorabilia further enhanced their reputation as a haven for traditional Americana. Cracker Barrel's celebration of all things seasonal and festive is reflected in the inclusion of the witch statue, which often becomes a sought-after item during the Halloween period.
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The witch statue is not only a decorative piece but also serves as a reminder of the rich folklore and mythology associated with witches. Witches have long been an intriguing topic in literature, film, and popular culture. They are often portrayed as mysterious, magical beings with supernatural powers. The Cracker Barrel witch statue taps into this fascination and allows individuals to incorporate a touch of Halloween whimsy into their homes. While the Cracker Barrel witch statue is undoubtedly a popular item among collectors and enthusiasts, it also represents a larger cultural phenomenon. It symbolizes the enduring appeal of folklore and storytelling, reminding us of the traditions and customs that shape our society. Additionally, the statue serves as a decoration that can spark conversations and bring people together, further emphasizing the role of shared experiences in our lives. In conclusion, the Cracker Barrel witch statue is more than just a decorative item or a Halloween novelty. It embodies the nostalgia and charm associated with Cracker Barrel's brand and serves as a connection to American folklore and cultural traditions. Its presence in their gift shops symbolizes the enduring appeal of storytelling and our fascination with the magical and mysterious aspects of life..
Reviews for "The Unknown Creator of the Cracker Barrel Witch Statue: An Artist's Tale"
1. Emily - 1 star
I was really disappointed with the Cracker Barrel witch statue. The quality was extremely poor and it looked more like a cheap plastic toy than a handcrafted piece. The paint was chipped and peeling, and the overall design was sloppy. It was also much smaller than I expected. I definitely would not recommend purchasing this item.
2. Jeff - 2 stars
I didn't have high expectations for the Cracker Barrel witch statue, but I was still let down. The craftsmanship was subpar and it felt like it was made from cheap materials. The colors were not as vibrant as they appeared in the pictures, and the statue lacked any fine details. I thought it would make a nice Halloween decoration, but it just ended up looking cheap and tacky. I wouldn't buy it again.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
I was really excited to add the Cracker Barrel witch statue to my collection, but it turned out to be a disappointment. The statue arrived with a noticeable crack along one of the arms, and the packaging was insufficient to prevent damage during shipping. The paint job was also poorly done, with noticeable streaks and uneven color application. Overall, it was not the high-quality item I was expecting and I would not buy it again.
4. Michael - 1 star
I regret purchasing the Cracker Barrel witch statue. The construction was flimsy and it felt like it would break with the slightest touch. The colors were lackluster and there were several noticeable imperfections, such as scratches and chips. The statue was also much smaller than I anticipated. It seemed like a hastily made product that was not worth the price. I would not recommend it to anyone.