In an uncertain 2020, The Witches keep riding.
Santa Rosa Beach, FL/Niceville, FL – The Witches of South Walton are set to ride in the 17th Annual Witch Ride this October with changes in place for 2020. The Witches will again be riding to support the mission of Children’s Volunteer Health Network (CVHN); providing Dental, Vision & Mental Health services for children in Walton & Okaloosa Counties. The Witches are excited to announce a ride in the Bluewater Bay/Niceville area of Okaloosa County furthering the awareness of their cause.
“What started out as a casual ride amongst friends in 2004 has grown into nearly 400 participants in 2019” said Stephen Brinker, President of the Witches of South Walton. “Our 2019 ride raised more than $19,000 dollars for CVHN crushing our previous year’s total. It's always great to see how something as simple as riding a bike can get so many ladies together to help those in need.”
Pre-ride events will also take place in both Walton & Okaloosa Counties. Participants can pick up packets at Grayton Seafood on October 28th in Grayton Beach or at 3rd Planet Brewery on October 29th in Niceville. Both events will run from 5pm to 8pm with live music, drink special and more.
The 2020 Witch Ride will be like no ride The Witches of South Walton has had. Gathering limits and health precautions are being followed for everyone's safety. Due to this, The Witches added additional ride options. These rides will complement the traditional morning ride along Hwy 30a. In South Walton The Witches of South Walton added Two (2) rides; a sunset ride and a weekend ride. A new ride tradition is starting for the Niceville area riders with the introduction of the Bluewater Ride that will follow the morning ride tradition. The popularity of the additional ride options has been noticed as many have already sold out.
A very unique “There’s No Place Like Home to Ride” will bring The Witch Ride to additional neighborhoods & communities across the area and the country. These participants can ride at their leisure when they see fit. Participation packets, or “swag bags” will be sent out to all who register to ride. The swag bag will include the coveted “Walton County Witch” sticker, signature mimosa cup and many other goodies.
The rides will take place on the Friday & Saturday of Halloween weekend October 30th & 31st launching from Gulf Place in South Walton and the Bluewater Bay in Okaloosa County. Riders should arrive early to decorate their bikes prior to their ride beginning. Full details for all rides including launch time, locations, routes and other information can be found on the Witches of South Walton’s website.
Post ride festivities have been reshaped to keep everyone safe this year. After each of the rides in South Walton, participants will gather for some post-ride potions, a social hour with mimosa and a special raffle happening. The Bluewater Riders will conclude their ride at 3rd Planet Brewery where festivities will follow including drinks, an on-site food truck serving brunch, music and some small raffles.
The raffle & silent auction have moved online to be open to event riders & other supporters both here and afar. As with past raffles participants can expect a selection of great items from various businesses in the community. The ever-popular competitions; Most Witchy Outfit, Witchiest Cackle & Best Broom (bike) Decor have also moved online. The Witches of South Walton are asking participants to submit the best looks and haunting cackles via email. Vote-by-Donation will take place to decide the winner of each competition.
Another new feature for 2020 is the Battle of the Klatches. A group competition to see whose klatch (team) can raise the most funds through their own unique ways. The winning klatch will have a reserved front of the line spot in the 2021 Founders Ride and a reserved table at Brunch.
“We have participants come in town from all over the country, and every year, riders rave about how much fun this event is,” said Carol Stafford, a ride founder. “Nothing gets you in the spirit of Halloween like dressing as a witch and riding your bike down Highway 30A. We get lots of honks and give lots of cackles!”
