Bats, black cats, strange things of the night,
All the things that give you a fright,
Might be there as Witches take flight
Come out and see this crazy sight
We promise we’ll try not to bite!

What am I talking about? The Natchez Witches Ride, of course!

Saturday will be our second annual Natchez Witches Ride, to benefit the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society.

This year the ride will be at the old train depot on Broadway Street, and it will be “family friendly” for those who wish to bring the children. If you have already registered, check-in begins at 1 p.m. If you have not registered, you may do so between 1 and 2:30 p.m. Saturday, if you want to participate in the ride and or walk.

Just dress in your best witch or warlock attire, and decorate your broom (bike) if you are riding, because there is a contest for best broom, best hat and overall best witch. Registration is $30 per person (witch or warlock) and you will need to bring a bag of candy. The candy is for the ride, which will begin at 3 p.m. and will be thrown to anyone cheering us on in the two blocks of Franklin Street between Canal and Pearl streets!

Moms and dads attending the ride as spectators only, remember: If you want your children to have a chance at free candy, make sure you are standing between Canal and Pearl streets, on Franklin Street at 3 p.m! That is the only place and time the candy will be thrown.

We will also have a few carnival-style games, goodies, drinks and spooky cakes to purchase. There will also be live entertainment, a funny forest to peruse and if libations interest you, the Grand will provide a sidewalk libation station just for you to purchase your drink of choice!

There will also be a fortune teller, and we are delighted to have Katelee Laird, local artist, there to do face painting. She will be displaying a few of her art pieces. Katelee has also generously donated a personal portrait of your pet for you to buy a chance to win!

Several wonderful businesses in town have also donated prizes for you to buy a chance on also! These include Taco Bell, Bubbles and Bows, Franklin Street Package Store, Affordable Storage and many others!

After the Ride, be sure to stick around because we will be awarding prizes and drawing for the chance items. You must be present to win.

Many of you may not know how much is involved in the day-to-day workings of the NACHS shelter. It stays filled to capacity and most of them are there because of a need, such as meds, heartworm treatments, injuries, malnourishment, abuse and even puppies that someone could not get rid of.

It takes an average of $30,000 per month to operate the facility and keep its residents maintained. Some months, it is much more, and they rely on members of the community to help with this overwhelming task!

Make your plans now to be there and help us raise lots of money for the deserving fur babies at the shelter. We look forward to seeing you there!
Mary Eldridge is the Natchez Witches Ride organizer and a member of the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society.