Brooms Up for the 10th Annual Witches of South Walton Ride Oct. 31

A group of women called the Witches of South Walton will trade their broomsticks for bicycles on Halloween morning at 7am for the 10th Annual Witches of South Walton Ride Fly West 30A…making magic for Children’s Volunteer Health Network. In its inaugural year, Fly East 30A, an afternoon ride for the east side of 30A will take place at 4:30pm.

The number of witches has grown to approximately 75 local women who sport witchy costumes and festively decorated “broom cycles,” while casting their spell on spectators and cackling along 30A.

Carol Stafford, Witches of South Walton Founder, explains the history of the Witches of South Walton. “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.  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 Witches of South Walton are a testament to the kind of people we have in our community.  Our people love to have fun and truly care about helping neighbors who are less fortunate. 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,” explains Zach Billings, Executive Director of CVHN.

“This group has provided support that has taken care of more than 300 kids over the years by giving them free, 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” on Wednesday, October 30 from 5-7pm at Grayton Bar and Grill. The entry fee is $15. (This gathering rarely ends at 7pm, as these witches know how to have wicked 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:

Witches' Brew
Registration for all events Wednesday, October 30, 5-7pm 
Grayton Bar and Grill

10th Annual Witch Ride, “Fly West 30A”  Thursday, October 31 Departing 7am Sharp Miss Lucille's Gossip Parlor at Gulfplace

The Gathering Brunch - For witches of the east, west, and all witch enthusiasts  Thursday, October 31, 9am  Grayt Grounds of Monet Monet in Grayton Beach 

Inaugural “Fly East 30A”  Thursday, October 31  Depart 4:30pm  Meet at Bramble Grove Beach Access in Seagrove and ride to Seaside to join the Seaside Halloween afternoon festivities.

Entry fee for each ride is $15 and raffle tickets are $5. All proceeds to benefit Children’s Volunteer Health Network (CVHN). 

Help support CVHN, have your bike tuned up and decorated, put on your witch costume, and join the Witches of South Walton for a frightful time this Halloween on Scenic 30A. The group of local women riding with The Witches of South Walton grows larger every year! More than 80 witches participated in the 2013 witches ride, all helping to support CVHN and local children by raising $2,250. Every dollar raised helps more uninsured or underinsured children gain access to the health care they need and deserve.  For more information visit www.witchesofsouthwalton.com and be sure to like the Witches of South Walton on Facebook www.facebook.com/WitchesOfSouthWalton.

About The Witches of South Walton The Witches of South Walton is a group of women founded by Carol Stafford and Lee Thompson dedicated to raising money for the Children’s Volunteer Health Network with their annual ride, brunch and raffle now in its tenth year and always held on Halloween day. The witches consist of local women who ride 4.4 miles on West Scenic Highway 30A, starting at Gulf Place to Butler Elementary and back. The ride ends with a brunch and raffle at Grayt Grounds. And now, a second ride will take place on the East side of 30A on Halloween Afternoon. For more information on where to glimpse the witches in their glory or to join this bewitching group, please visit www.witchesofsouthwalton.com.

About Children's Volunteer Health Network (CVHN) Children’s Volunteer Health Network, Inc HEALTHY HAPPY KIDS, is a faith-based 501(c) 3 organization established in 2005 to enhance the lives of uninsured and underinsured school-aged children by facilitating free, immediate access to medical, dental and mental health care. For more information please visit www.cvhnkids.org.