Witches and warlocks, grab your brooms — or bikes — and join in a Halloween-themed parade for a good cause.
The second annual Witches Ride will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. The event serves as a fundraiser for the Leflore County Humane Society.
“All the money goes to the Humane Society,” said Ashley Farmer, a Leflore County Humane Society board member and a Witches Ride event organizer.
Farmer is hoping for an even bigger parade of witches this year.
“We’re just trying to make it grow every year,” she said. “Last year, probably about 50 paid to ride. I would love to have 100 pay to ride this year, or more.”
Witches Ride participant Karyn Burrus added, “The more, the merrier.”
Farmer came up with the idea for a Witches Ride last year after learning about a similar event held annually in Fairhope, Alabama, that also raises funds for local animal shelters.
“I just thought it was something fun and a way to raise money for the Humane Society in a way people would enjoy,” she said. “Adults always love an excuse to dress up.”
An adults-only after party will be held at The Alluvian following the ride. The festivities will begin at The Alluvian’s usual happy hour time at 5:30 p.m.
“This is closed just for the Humane Society, and we will have music and light snacks,” said Farmer. “You can pay at the door to actually come to the party.”
The after party fee is $25 and includes one drink token. The featured performer will be Stephen Pillow.
There’s a $35 fee to participate in the ride, which also includes entrance to the after party at The Alluvian and a T-shirt. Event T-shirts will also be sold separately for $25 each.
Witches Ride participants must be 18 years old or older. Those riding in the event will meet at Bowie Realty, at the southeast corner of Grand Boulevard and East Claiborne Avenue, between 5 and 5:30 p.m.
The parade route will start at Bowie Realty and go across the Keesler Bridge toward downtown. The witches will turn onto Front Street and then onto Howard Street.
The ride will kick off with a police escort, and Halloween music will be playing on the speakers throughout downtown.
Farmer said some in the parade may opt to walk, while others will be riding bikes.
“Our posters say, ‘My broom broke, now I ride a bicycle,’” Farmer said.
Those who will be in the ride are encouraged to dress up as witches or warlocks and decorate their bikes.
The participants are also encouraged to bring candy to throw out during the Witches Ride. Children can line up along the route to gather the sweet treats.
“Bring the kids out to catch candy,” Farmer said.
The inaugural ride brought out about 40 witches last year, even despite rainy weather.
“There were a lot of people on the streets, and by the time we got to The Alluvian, there were probably 40 or 50 more people dressed up. So it ended up being really good.”
Many of last year’s participants enjoyed the event.
“We laughed, and we almost ran over each other,” Farmer said. “It’s fun just seeing the children. They were so happy.”
Farmer said it was also fun to see how creative the Witches Ride participants were with their costumes and bike decorations.
“People went all out decorating their bikes,” she said.
One bike, belonging to Tish Goodman, featured a broom.
“This year, we’re going to give away a prize to the best costume and the best broom/bike,” said Farmer.
The money raised from this event will go toward general expenses at the animal shelter, such as medications and operational costs.
For those who are unable to participate in the ride but want to help out, “Any donation is always accepted and welcome,” said Farmer.
To register for the ride, to purchase entry into the after party or to buy a T-shirt, visit the Witches Ride event page.
Registration is available up until the day of the event before the ride starts, and participants are encouraged to come early to sign a release waiver before the ride.
For more information about the Witches Ride or to register, call Farmer at 374-6800.
• Contact Ruthie Robison at 581-7235 or rrobison@gwcommonwealth.com.
