Witches of South Walton Trade Brooms for Bikes at 12th Annual Ride Oct 30

The Witches of South Walton is gathering for the12th Annual Witches of South Walton Ride taking off from Gulf Place on Friday, October 30, 2015 at 7:00 a.m. sharp. The Witches Brew is held on the eve of the ride at La Playa where witches can register for the ride and enjoy the night with cocktails and music. The Gathering Brunch takes place just after the Witches Ride, also at La Playa. 

The number of witches has grown to well over 200 local women who sport witchy costumes and decorated “broom cycles,” while casting their spell on spectators and cackling along the Scenic 30A. Last year just over 200 witches participated in the ride and brunch, raising $5,500 and making magic for Children’s Volunteer Health Network (CVHN).  

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 12th anniversary of this treasured local tradition and for such a worthy cause.”

"Isn’'t it amazing what a small group of caring people can do?"” says Zach Billingsley, CVHN Executive Director. "The Witches of South Walton is a group of genuine, caring people who love to have fun!  The Witches came up with the concept and CVHN is blessed to have their continued support. Every dollar raised helps more uninsured or underinsured children gain access to the health care they need and deserve. We are grateful for the support from the Witches of South Walton and look forward to this event every year!”"

Witches should register at the “Witches Brew” on Thursday, October 29 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at La Playa in Gulf Place. The entry fee is $30. Witches may also purchase $5 raffle tickets at this time and bring any items they would like to donate for the raffle taking place the following morning at The Gathering Brunch. 

Yolo Board + Bike at Gulf Place is offering free bike rentals for any witch needing a bike for your Halloween morning ride. Please call or email Ryan, store manager, to reserve your bike. (850)-267-0602.

Witches of South Walton Ride 2015 Schedule of Events:

Please RSVP for all events at WitchRide.com.

Thursday, Oct. 29
Witches Brew | 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 
Come out to La Playa in Gulf Place for witch drink specials, fun, and live music with Forrest Williams Band. Everyone's invited to attend this evening. Register at the Witches Brew for the Witches Ride & Gathering Brunch and purchase raffle tickets.

Friday, Oct. 30
Wake Up Witches | 5:00 a.m.
Paris Janos will be reporting LIVE at the Green at Gulf Place for the News Channel 7 Today morning show starting at 5:00am. Come out early to join the fun and help represent the Witches of South Walton.
Witches Ride | 6:30 a.m.
Meet at Gulf Place at 6:30am and fly west at 7am sharp! Coffee sponsored by Sunrise Coffee Co. The route has been slightly modified this year. Witches will ride from Gulf Place to the Dune Allen Regional Beach Access. 

Witches Gathering Brunch | 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 
After the ride, meet up at La Playa for breakfast and mimosas (registration fee covers brunch and 3 tix for mimosas). Raffle prizes and awards for best costume, best bike decor, and best cackle!  Full cash bar with specials.
 

Please go to the Witches of South Walton website to read updates and RSVP on each event. Registration is $30 for the event, cash or check only, made payable to Children's Volunteer Health Network. Registration takes place at Thursday night's Witches Brew. You may register on the morning of the ride at 6:30 a.m. or earlier. Registration fee includes access to brunch. Each participant in the Witches Ride must sign a waiver of liability and pick up your wrist band to be worn during the Ride. 
 

Help support CVHN, have your bike tuned up and decorated, wear your witchiest costume, and join the Witches of South Walton for a frightful time this Halloween on Scenic 30A. For more information visit www.witchesofsouthwalton.com and be sure to follow Witches of South Walton on Facebook for updates, photos and cackles.  

Official hashtag: #WitchRide2015 
Tag the Witches of South Walton on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter!

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. Children’s Volunteer Health Network (CVHN) is an oustanding local organization working 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.

Video compiled from 2011 photos by Sheila Goode, beloved friend of witches everywhere.