The delicious drag witch of Jersey’s Lunar Faire is cooking something up for us this Halloween Month: Cookie Doe! [Cover photo: @sissymoth]
Thotyssey: Cookie, hello! Thanks for chatting with us today! As a drag witch, are you feeling all the spooky season vibes yet?
Cookie Doe: Hey Batch! I’m feeling SPOOK-tacular! Gathering all the ghouls for a drag-tastic holiday season!
Is genuine witchcraft actually part of your daily routine?
As a witchy, astrological earth Goddess, absolutely! I love setting intentions, manifesting and grounding myself. I use candles, tarot and cooking as my main source of magic. Some say magic isn’t real… then explain the magic I bring on and off the stage? Manifesting is always successful for me; if you believe, anything is possible! I find it to be the most powerful to set my intentions, believe in the intentions, and let it go to the universe… and there, it will do what it needs to!
Can you tell us a bit of your origin story: where are you from originally, and did you always have interest in performance, fashion and witchery?
How much time do we got, because I lived a very fulfilled life so far! I was born in Sleepy Hollow, New York, raised in Youngstown, Ohio, found myself in Los Angeles, California and currently rooted in Newton, New Jersey. I grew up in a family full of love and celebrating. I remember I was about six years old, I saw my father marching in thefireman’s parade wearing a two piece bathing suit and a wolf mask, celebrating and spreading joy to everyone he passed. From that moment, my father taught me, entertainment is a way to bring love, joy and laughter!
Since my family has always been very supportive, it was easy being me. I was always performing, dancing and entertaining since I could walk. The fashion came as I got older, and allowed myself to break from societal norms and view clothing as expression and perspective of who I am as a human. Sitting at the kitchen table with my mom, we would always doodle and draw while she was chatting on the phone.
Eventually I went from doodling to designing! Seventh grade is when I experienced my first time creating a look and drag. We had to be cartoon characters, so I created a look inspired by Muirel from Courage the Cowardly Dog: throw pillows for a big butt, springs with bowls glued to a bra for buoyancy. And from there, every year I created my own costumes… which then evolved into drag!
As for the witchiness, I found that through my community in Lunar Faire! Being around so many other magical humans and being exposed / educated allowed me to expand myself and learn to practice. The magic was always there, I just didn’t believe it ’til the practicing… and then the gifts started to show themselves. I’m a big believer that the proof is always in the cookie!
Lunar Faire is one of a growing number of platforms for Jersey drag; the opportunities seem to popping up all over the state these last few years. Is Jersey drag having a boom moment… and if so, what do you attribute that to?
Drag has been, and will always be, here! When I started with Lunar Faire about five years ago, I saw this is a great opportunity to shine big and bright on drag; and what a perfect time! This was right before all the political nonsense… so what’s the best way to make a difference? We the people! Every Faire it grows and grows — what better way to have local artist experience performing?
What I attribute to the drag community is being a beacon for other artists! Opening up my platform, supporting the arts and allowing others to perform how they want to is how I help the drag community. For many artists I have worked with, Lunar Faire was their first performance which had allowed them to get a taste, and then use that momentum to excel them to their own drag career! I have given opportunities, I have given lessons and tips… I by no means am perfect, but drag is my magic and mentoring is my super power! If I can share a little bit of cookie, maybe they can create their own recipe!
Lunar Faire has become a big deal! How might you describe what is is the uninitiated, and how did it come to be?
I don’t know what’s bigger, the moon or Lunar Faire? Haha! Lunar Faire is a witchy night market that happens on every full moon and new moon from April to October each year! You can shop hundreds of vendors, experience an abundance of witchiness and see amazing sideshows… like “Cookie’s Easy Bake Coven!”
Lunar Faire started in Sussex County NJ at a local venue. A local organization I am a part of, Sussex County Pride, was tabling at the Faire about five years ago. We brought the idea of doing a drag show as a fun experience, especially local kings and queens. What started out as a little side show here and there turned into one of the main side shows of Lunar Faire! Since Sussex County Pride is Sussex County based, the Lunar Chicks asked if I would like to host a drag show at every Faire…who could pass that up!?
Like any community, we all started to support each other in Lunar Faire… and with the power we all have, the Faire grew to what it is today — two Faires a month all over North, Central, and South Jersey! We are bringing magic and LGBTQIA awareness all over!
What sort of people come to the Faire, generally? Also, it seems to move to a new park or wide open area in Jersey each time, how are the places decided on?
Everyone comes to Lunar Faire! I always say what makes the Faire so magical, other than drag, is we all have a common ground: magic! Whether you practice, experienced it or just believe, the Faire is for you!! Being able to move all around the state allows for us Lunar-tics to reach so many wonderful people! The venues are always outdoor, must have a magical vibe, and hold at least 3,500 people! It becomes tricky to find, but we always brew the perfect time!
The next two Lunar Faires have been announced: This Friday at East Freehold Showgrounds, and Saturday November 1st at Sussex County Fairgrounds, which will be the last two Faires of 2025! These are no doubt going to be the witchiest ones of the year.
That’s correct! The 24th we’re taking you to the dark carnival where I will be the ring leader of them all, and on November 1st is Halloween! Halloween will be from 3-10! Come dressed, get witchy and let’s celebrate a batty good time!
What else do you want folks to know?
I will add this about Lunar Faire for “Cookie’s Easy Bake Coven.” I utilize this spot to give artists an opportunity to perform in a large crowd. I always tell local kings and queens, “this is a great opportunity for you to showcase your talents, and let the world know what your art is!” I think it’s very important as a drag queen to have opportunity and space for all artists, and to always give back!
I think we mixed the potion enough with Lunar Faire. And as for me, I’m always baking up something new. So stay tuned, and wait until you see what I’m serving up!
Regarding your name sake and the season: do you have a signature cookie recipe?
The only baking I really do is with makeup. However, I am a huge fan of cookies! There are so many types out there that I love experiencing others! My favorite cookie overall is an Italian rainbow cookie with the berry jam — is so delicious, and it’s fitting for any holiday season.
Agreed! Finally, who is pop culture’s greatest witch?
OMG, there are so many! My tops are Louise from Teen Witch, Stevie Nicks, Florence and the Machine, and my fellow Virgo witches Jinkx Monsoon and Beyoncé!
Thanks, Cookie!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Cookie Doe’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram, LinkTree and TikTok.
Thotyssey 