The Witches Ride began in 2023 when Wendy Dixon and Ashley Cross were inspired by the Homewood, Alabama Witches Ride. We thought it would be so much fun to have something like that in Mount Pleasant. We kept waiting for someone else to do it and finally said, “What are we waiting for? Let’s just do it ourselves!”

Our neighborhood is full of amazing women with generous hearts, and we knew this would be something everyone would rally around. We were especially inspired to create it in memory of our neighbor Paige Palmer’s daughter, Libba, and wanted to do something meaningful that would give back to others in her honor.

Our first year, we set a goal of 25 riders and thought we’d be elated if we reached 100—but we ended up with more than 200! This past year, we had nearly 300 witches register. The ride has truly taken off beyond anything we imagined, and the block party has grown right along with it.

My favorite part is the camaraderie. Working alongside all the incredible women on our committee is inspiring. They pour their hearts into making the event magical. 

But it’s hard to pick a favorite moment. I especially love when all the witches gather at the start of the ride and we share how much our fundraising has helped the chosen charity. It’s such a powerful reminder of what we can do together.

I also love turning onto Goblet Avenue on our brooms to see hundreds of goblins (kids) and warlocks cheering and catching candy.

Oh it’s also very exciting to give away incredible prizes to the best dressed witches - including a brand new broom (bike), cauldron (Dutch oven), and potions (wine or skin care).

Each year we select a “Supreme Witch,” and her chosen cause becomes the focus of our fundraising. This past year, our Supreme Witch was Lee MacAllister, and she selected Lowcountry Literacy Project as our charity.

It’s all about the amazing women in this neighborhood—their generosity, creativity, and willingness to show up for one another. This year, our funds will cover the cost for a North Charleston school to bring Orton-Gillingham reading instruction to kindergarten through second grade teachers. That’s the kind of real impact that makes it so special.

We’re so grateful to all of our sponsors! Our High Flyer sponsor this year was Gather MTP, and our Spellbinder sponsors included Matt and Elyse Lawson (in memory of their daughter Evie Lawson), Buxton & Collie, Albrecht Remodels, Renovations, and Additions, Three Rivers Design, and Light It Up. 

And of course, thank you to every witch who registered, volunteered, or came to the block party—you’re the magic behind it all!

Next year, we’ll definitely have a rain plan! We were so bummed to have to cancel our flight, but we made the most of a dreary day with a drenched block party. We’re already brainstorming ways to make both the ride and the block party even better, and we can’t wait to select our new Supreme Witch and charitable cause.