A wickedly fun group of women known as the Witches of South Walton will trade their broomsticks for bicycles on Halloween morning at 7:00 am for the 10th Annual Witches of South Walton Ride.

It’s all to help make a little magic for our Children’s Volunteer Health Network (CVHN).

“This foolishness started in 2004 when two of my friends and I rode our bikes along the bike path several times a week for exercise,” said Carol Stafford, Founder of The Witches of South Walton. “I jokingly suggested that we wear witch hats on Halloween day. Now we are celebrating the tenth anniversary of this treasured local tradition and for such a worthy cause.”

The number of witches has grown to approximately 75 local women who sport witchy costumes and festively decorated “broom cycles,” all while casting their spell on spectators and cackling along Scenic Highway 30A. This year, the group will also host Fly East 30A, an afternoon ride for the east side of 30A starting at 4:30pm.

“The Witches of South Walton are a testament to the kind of people we have in our community,” said Zach Billings, Executive Director of CVHN. “When you think about 30A and South Walton you don’t typically think about the pockets of poverty we have right here in our own backyard. You may not see the single Mother who is frantically trying to figure out how to get her sick child seen by a doctor, or the Dad who knows he cannot afford a trip to the dentist and prays he can find a way to relieve his daughter’s toothache that has lasted for months. CVHN sees these families on a regular basis.”

Billings said that this particular group of ladies has provided support that has taken care of more than 300 kids over the years by giving them free and immediate access to medical, dental and mental health care services. “Carol and her crew have done an amazing job of growing interest in this event and we are so excited to celebrate the ten year anniversary of the ride with them on the 31st.”

Interested witches should register at the “Witches Brew” this Wednesday, October 30th from 5-7pm at Grayton Bar and Grill. The entry fee is $15.

WARNING: This gathering rarely ends at 7pm, as these witches know how to have fun! Witches may also purchase $5 raffle tickets at this time and bring any items they would like to donate for the raffle the following morning.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Wednesday, October 30th

5:00-7:00pm: Witches’ Brew – Registration for All Events at Grayton Bar and Grill

Thursday, October 31st

7:00 am Sharp: 10th Annual Witch Ride, “Fly West 30A” Departing from Miss Lucille’s Gossip Parlor at Gulf Place

9:00am: The Gathering Brunch, for witches of the east, west and all witch enthusiasts at Grayt Grounds

4:30pm: Inaugural “Fly East 30A” Departing Bramble Grove Beach Access in Seagrove

For more info, visit the Witches’ official website and ‘like’ their Facebook Page!

Video by Walton Outdoors