Witches on Wheels to Take Over a Small Southern Indiana Town this Fall

Halloween is just around the corner, and when we think of Halloween, one character that often comes to mind is the witch. I would venture to say that most people picture the green-skinned, cackling, broom-riding witch from The Wizard of Oz. Margaret Hamilton’s unforgettable portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the West left a lasting impression on American culture. But long before her performance, the "wicked witch" was a vivid part of the imagination, thanks to the long and dark history of witches.

There are various types of religious groups that are connected to witches and witchcraft. These religions can be found across the globe and have deep historical roots, with references dating back to the Bible, including the story of King Saul consulting the Witch of Endor. In Greek mythology, the ancient goddess Hecate was the patron of magic and witchcraft. Throughout history, Europe and the United States have seen their fair share of witch-related hysteria but in modern times, witches are often seen in a more positive light. They’ve become a beloved part of pop culture, appearing in books, movies, and even retail. Whether as powerful heroines or charming characters, witches have evolved from their dark, historical roots into figures of fascination.

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Witches on Bikes Event in Vincennes, IN

If you are a fan of witches - both good and bad - make plans to attend the 4th annual Witches on Bikes event in Vincennes. On October 26 at 2:00 PM, the public is invited to dress as your favorite witch or warlock, or character from Hocus Pocus, and ride through the streets of Vincennes.

I got a chance to chat with Cher Wehrman, one of the Witches on Bikes organizers.

How did you get the idea for this event?

Regina Blinn saw another community held a witches' ride and thought it would be fun to do. The first year it was just a ride to have fun, throw candy to kids along the route, and when the ride was completed back at the park the witches played a few games and snacked. There were 30 women that participated.

The second year we decided to make it a fundraiser! There had been so much interest at the first ride we thought it would be a great way to help a great cause. The donations were given to the breast care center at Good Samaritan Hospital to help cover the costs of mammograms for women without insurance. The second year there about 60 riders!

Last year we had more than 100 riders and split the monies raised between the breast cancer center and the local parks and recreation department to help improve the parks to promote health and wellness for families.

This year we've already received more than 30 registrations in just a couple of days, and already have people from Evansville, Newburgh, and Avon!

How did you pick your charities? 

We chose the breast cancer center because October is breast care awareness month. And many women do not get the needed screenings because they can't afford them. We added the Parks department to support their efforts of offering healthy activities for kids and their families.

Tell me about the ride through Vincennes.
The ride navigates through the city on low-volume roads, starting and ending at the shelter house.

 Is there anything going on before/after the bike ride? 

The last two years and this year when they get back to the park they do the witches dance!! Super cute! Last year and this year there will be a pickleball tournament and witches help with the kids in their play. We've done trick or treat with the witches the first two years after the ride.

We have prizes after the awards. We have the oldest witch, the witch that's traveled the furthest, the witch with the best cackle, and the youngest witch! We also give prizes also for the best costume/decorated bike.

Last year’s furthest witch was from France. While here she learned of the event and joined us. She had her daughter in a pull-behind cart and her daughter was the youngest witch there.

Do you encourage other "wheels" for those who can't ride a bike?

The first year we only allowed people on bicycles. We had bikes with kids' seats on them and had their little witches, tandem bicycles, and adult tricycles.

We were asked the second year if someone could do a golf cart. We hesitated at first, but after talking with our team we allowed it.

Last year we had several golf carts but most of them carried our older witches!

Witches on Bikes Details

It is all a bunch of Hocus Pocus! Get registered for the Vincennes Witches on Bikes 2024!
Last year, 200 riders from three different states, and a rider from France, participated in the event! We expect nothing less this year and hope for more than 200 riders. Dress up as your favorite Witch (or Warlock) and/or character from Hocus Pocus, grab a bike and some candy and come prepared to have wicked good time! We will ride approximately 10 flat miles around Vincennes pass out candy and spread wicked good cheer, cackling at the top of our lungs as we go! We hope you will join us. We leave from Gregg Park promptly at 2PM EST. Check-In begins at 1:00 PM EST.

After the ride, if you choose, a pickleball tourney will be held for the first 15 Witches to register. Each "Witch" will partner with a Teen after the ride - in your best witch gear, of course! The tourney starts at approximately 5:30 PM EST. So grab your son/daughter, grandchild or fellow teen player and join the fun!
All proceeds will benefit the GSH Breast Care Center and the Vincennes Parks and Recreation Department. Registration is open thru 10/18/2024 at midnight. To be guaranteed an event shirt you must register by 10/11/2024.

Registration is limited. Riders must scan the QR code or follow this link. Proceeds from the ride will benefit the GSH Breast Care Center and Vincennes Parks and Recreation Department.

Need some costume inspiration? Check out the photos from last year's ride.