Brooms Over Downtown: Fairhope Witches Ride Flies Oct. 29 to Raise Money for Baldwin Humane Society

FAIRHOPE, Ala. — Pointed hats, flowing capes and plenty of Halloween spirit will fill downtown Fairhope next week, when hundreds of costumed riders gather for the annual Fairhope Witches Ride. The Thursday, Oct. 29, event doubles as a fundraiser for the Baldwin Humane Society.

The ride kicks off at 5:45 p.m. at the Halstead Amphitheater, and a ball will follow at the same venue. Over the years, the event has become a seasonal tradition in the bayside city, drawing witches, warlocks and Halloween enthusiasts for an evening of festive riding and celebration.

At a glance

• What: Fairhope Witches Ride, followed by a ball
• When: Thursday, Oct. 29; the ride kicks off at 5:45 p.m.
• Where: Starts at the Halstead Amphitheater in downtown Fairhope; the ball is held at the same venue
• Benefits: Baldwin Humane Society
• Who: Hundreds of costumed riders, plus spectators and Halloween fans

A Halloween tradition with a purpose

Witches rides have become a popular fall fixture in towns across the country. Participants, most of them women, dress in elaborate witch costumes, often decorated to match a theme, and ride through town, often on bicycles, while spectators line the streets to wave, cheer and take photos. The rides are typically lighthearted and family-friendly, and many are organized as charity fundraisers.

Fairhope’s version follows that model, with the money raised going to support animals in need through the Baldwin Humane Society. The evening’s ball at the Halstead Amphitheater gives riders and supporters a chance to keep the celebration going after the ride wraps up.

Fairhope is not the only Baldwin County city with a witches ride on the calendar. Earlier this month, South AL News reported that the Foley Witches Ride is set for Saturday, Oct. 24, with an after-party at Heritage Park, a separate event in that city.

About the Baldwin Humane Society

The Baldwin Humane Society is a nonprofit animal welfare organization in Baldwin County that cares for homeless dogs and cats and works to place them in permanent homes. Like many animal shelters, it relies heavily on donations, volunteers and community fundraisers to cover the cost of food, veterinary care, vaccinations and spay and neuter services for the animals in its care.

Events like the Witches Ride help fill that gap while raising the shelter’s profile in the community. For residents who cannot attend but want to help, animal welfare groups generally welcome donations of money or supplies, volunteer time and, most of all, adoptions and fostering, which free up space for more animals in need.

Tips for spectators

Downtown Fairhope is a popular spot on any evening, and a large event can bring extra traffic and crowds. A few suggestions for those planning to watch:

• Arrive early. Parking downtown can fill quickly, and the ride begins at 5:45 p.m.
• Watch the road. Keep children and pets back from the riders’ path, and give cyclists plenty of room.
• Bring a camera. Costumes are a big part of the fun, and riders often go all out.
• Make a night of it. Downtown Fairhope’s restaurants and shops make it easy to stay for dinner after the ride.
• Check for updates. Weather can affect outdoor events, so check the organizers’ and Baldwin Humane Society’s announcements before heading out.

More Halloween fun on the Eastern Shore

The Witches Ride lands two days before Halloween, in the middle of a busy week of fall festivities across Baldwin County, from trick-or-treat events to costume contests. For many Fairhope residents, though, the sight of hundreds of witches and warlocks gathering downtown has become one of the season’s signature moments, and one that helps local animals at the same time.