Since starting with about 30 people on bicycles in 2018, the Witches Ride of Ocean Springs has grown from a community Halloween tradition into a fundraiser that has generated more than $114,000 for local animal welfare organizations.
Through ride registrations, donations and other fundraisers, the nonprofit organization supports groups caring for animals in the Ocean Springs area. Its ninth annual ride returns downtown Oct. 24 as those groups face overcrowding, rising veterinary costs and ongoing needs for food, supplies and adoptive homes, President Diana Odom said.
“Through this year’s fundraising efforts, we hope to help ease some of those financial burdens so these organizations can focus on what matters most: caring for animals in need,” Odom said. “Every registration, donation, and show of support from our community helps make that possible.”
Local businesses and individual sponsors help support the effort, while participants sometimes spend months making costumes and decorating bicycles and golf carts. The also raises money through a Halloween pub crawl, raffle organization and pet parade.
The event’s community involvement has also earned recognition, including the Mississippi Main Street Association’s 2026 Outstanding Holiday Event award.
“It’s a wonderful reminder of what our community can accomplish when we come together for a cause we care about,” Odom said.
Weather has sometimes posed challenges for organizers. Last year, the threat of rain left them uncertain whether the event could proceed as planned.
Organizers received approval to start the ride earlier than scheduled, hoping to avoid the rain. However, it began just as the event started. Odom said participants continued through downtown in their costumes and decorated bicycles and golf carts while spectators stayed to watch.
“Moments like that remind us why we put so much time and effort into organizing this event. It’s about more than costumes, decorated bikes, and a fun afternoon. It’s about the generosity, enthusiasm, and sense of community that make Ocean Springs such a special place, and if a little rain can’t dampen that spirit, I don’t know what can!” Odom said.
This year, organizers hope the event will provide meaningful support to local animal welfare groups as they continue caring for animals in the community.
“While we know we can’t solve every challenge these organizations face; we’re proud to play a small part in helping them continue their very important work caring for the animals of Ocean Springs,” Odom said.
The ninth annual Witches Ride begins at 6 p.m. Oct. 24 in downtown Ocean Springs, where costumed participants will give treats to spectators along the route. Spectators can watch for free, while registration for participants 18 and older costs $60 per person or $100 per golf cart.
More information about participating, donating or volunteering is available at ww.oswitchesride.com
