By Haley Mitchell Godwin

On Oct. 26, Crenshaw County’s inaugural Witch Ride saw eleven participants dressed in their best witch attire to raise funds for victims of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The event gathered “witches” on wheels and foot alike for a good cause, raising $409 for hurricane relief efforts led by the Alabama Emerald Coast Conference of the Global Methodist Church.

Elizabeth Mann of Glenwood joined with her nine-year-old daughter, Raylen Latham, to help those affected by the storms. 

“I thought the ride would be a fun way, close to home, that would give us the chance to help those affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton,” Mann said. “We loved the event and how we were able to participate in the Friendliest City Festival as well. The hosts and organizers did a fantastic job, and I can’t wait to watch this grow bigger and better each year.”

The idea for the Witch’s Ride came about when Dunford Cole, pastor of Camp Ground and Rutledge Methodist Churches, and his wife Brandy Sullivan Cole were on their way to Columbiana last year to visit with Billy and Clara Turner, formerly of Rutledge, who now reside in an assisted living facility very near their son Jack Turner. As the Cole’s neared their destination, Brandy noticed what she called a beautiful and interesting site. 

“We were coming through the beautiful little town of Columbiana and all of a sudden, traffic began backing up,” Cole said. “Then I saw all these pretty witches on their bicycles.” 

Curious, Brandy said she looked up the event and learned it was the annual Columbiana Witches Ride. Right then, she knew Crenshaw County needed a similar event.

 “I loved it so much, I looked over at my husband and said, ‘Oh hunny, we need to do something like this in town next year,’ and we just ran with the idea,” Brandy said.

As the event neared, the aftermath of Hurricane Helene weighed on Brandy’s heart and she decided to dedicate the Witch Ride to raising funds for hurricane relief. With an entry fee of $25, participants received a T-shirt, and additional donations were welcomed.

The Witch Ride began at the intersection of Spivey Road and Glenwood Road and concluded at the Crenshaw County Courthouse. Participants enjoyed a community parade-like experience, with live commentary provided by Pastor Dunford Cole who streamed the ride on Facebook for those following online.

Other participants included Lorie Boyd, Jessica Butts, Brandy Cole, Jane Cole,Tabitha England,  Amanda Ohan-Miller, Kathy Smyth, Shannon Tomlin and Rachel White.

The Coles expressed gratitude for the community’s support and participation. Donations are still being accepted to assist hurricane victims and can be made by contacting Brandy Cole via Facebook Messenger or by calling (251) 680-4586. 

Plans for next year’s Witch Ride are already underway, with proceeds to benefit a new cause yet to be determined.