IslandVibesIOP.com 9 ‘Witchy Women’ Witches Ride event returns for 5th year By Sarah Rose When Cindy DeAntonio and Lauren Sullivan met for the first time in 2021 while watching their children play at the playground, they had a conversation that prompted the first Isle of Palms Halloween Witches Ride and after party. “Lauren showed me a photo of a Witches Ride in another town and said that she wanted to create a similar one here,” DeAntonio said. “And I was on board from the start.” DeAntonio then reached out to her friend John Bushnell, a partner at Islander 71 Fish House and Raw Bar, to organize an after party that concludes the short 15-minute bike ride from where the route begins at the Isle of Palms Recreation Center. The first year’s gathering was a group of about 50 women who learned about the event from word of mouth and a mom’s text chain. When plans were impacted by rainy weather, the friendly witches were not to be deterred and took over the Islander, where they enjoyed socializing over a cocktail or two, along with a conga line and deejayed dance party. Now in its fifth year, the ride is still going strong with between 70-100 participants. “Halloween is always all about the kids, so this is a fun way for moms to get together and celebrate,” DeAntonio explained. She added that costumes and bike decorations are encouraged. “Many of the participants go all out, painting their faces and bodies green, dressing up as famous witches.” As most of the witches live on Isle of Palms or Sullivan’s, their annual bike parade has become a beloved tradition in the community. “The kids and neighbors come out to wave at us as we ride by,” DeAntonio said. This year’s ride begins at 4 p.m. on Oct. 25 and will take the usual route from the rec center to the Islander, where according to DeAntonio, everybody pays for their own drinks and food. All are welcome to join in the festivities and no registration or fee is required for participation. COMMUNITY
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