It’s the most wonderful time of the year!  The air is cooler, the leaves are beginning to change and our thoughts turn to the strange and unusual. Yes, it’s almost Halloween! Time for boys and girls to decide on a costume, neighbors to have decorating wars, and the most challenging of all…trying not to eat all of the Halloween candy before Halloween!

But in all of this hustle and bustle, let’s not forget our furry friends.

With school, homework, hectic work schedules and holidays, we are often too busy for other things, but we have a way for you to incorporate Halloween fun and help those furry friends in need.

Come and be a part of the first Natchez Witches Ride, on Wednesday, Oct. 26. Monies raised will benefit the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society, and 10 percent of the funds will be sent to help the displaced pets affected by the recent floods in Louisiana.

Registration starts at 4 p.m.  The ride begins at 5:45 p.m. Only a couple of hours of your time for an unusually fun and different experience. It’s a chance for anyone to be a witch, if only for a short time, and ride your broom — also known as your bike — or walk through downtown parading your best witchy look.

We also encourage anyone that wishes to come out in support to line up on Franklin Street between Canal and Union streets to cheer on our bewitching friends. Rumor has it the witches will be throwing candy to those brave enough to wave at them.

After the parade, there will be prizes awarded for best hat, best bike and best overall costume. The winners will receive trophies and a caldron of their very own bursting with wonderful, witchy prizes.

Then the after-party kicks off at Bowie’s Tavern and will continue until we all howl at the moon — or 8:30 p.m — whichever comes first. There will be a minimum $5 donation at the door, for those not participating in the ride. We will have witches brew for all of you participating witches, and special $10 food plates with your choice of jambalaya and salad, or chicken pasta and salad, available for everyone to purchase.  The $5 donation and half of the proceeds from the food plates will go to the shelter.  Local bands will provide entertainment.  Now, you can’t beat that. It’s a win-win for all — witch and furry alike.

One-dollar chance tickets will also be sold at the door for lots of wonderful prizes, such as a personalized pet portrait by Katelee Laird, a wine basket from Franklin Street Package Store, free grooming from Bubbles and Bows, gift certificates from Taco Bell in Natchez, a Spooky Beer Wagon from Affordable Storage, and others.  (You must be present to win.)

Make your plans now. Decorate those bikes, don your best witch costume, and practice your best witchy cackles.  Don’t forget to bring your own candy to throw to the brave boys and girls along the parade route. Early registration is only $20. Registration forms may be printed from our Natchez Witches Ride page on Facebook, or you may pick one up at Silas Simmons, LLP at 209 N. Commerce St. in Natchez.  They should be dropped off at Silas Simmons no later than 5 p.m. on Friday for the early registration price.

After that date, registration will be $30 per person. You may register up until 5:40 p.m. on the day of the event. All registrants will pick up their ride numbers and wristbands from 4 to 5:40 p.m. on the day of the ride at the gazebo on the bluff across from Bowie’s Tavern. The ride itself will begin at 5:45 p.m. Participants may ride bicycles or walk. No motorized vehicles are allowed. If you have further questions, please check our Facebook page for more information, or give us a call at 601-334-2329.

Please join us for this unique event and be a part of what we know will become the most enjoyable fundraiser of the year. You deserve the fun, and the funds raised are for a wonderful cause. We promise it will be a night to remember.
Mary Eldridge is a member of the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society.