PHOTO VIA SANFORD WITCHES RIDE
The 6th annual Sanford Witches Ride rolls through Historic Downtown Sanford on October 25 at 5 p.m., with riders in witch and warlock costumes on decorated bikes and golf carts.
The event is organized by Sanford Witches Ride (Facebook), Celery City Craft (Facebook), and Bicikleta Bike Shop (Facebook). Participants gather at Veterans Memorial Park, at 110 W. Seminole Boulevard [GMap] on the shore of Lake Monroe in Sanford. Organizers ask riders to line up on Park Avenue between Fulton Street and Seminole Boulevard by 4:45 p.m., with the ride starting promptly at 5 p.m. A route map will be provided before departure.
Organizers say the ride honors the memory of Amanda Butler, a friend the group dearly misses. Riders are encouraged to bring candy to toss to children and neighbors along the route, and residents along the route are invited to decorate their homes and cheer from the curb. Viewing spots include George Touhy Park, Park on Park, and Centennial Park.
The ride ends around 6 p.m. at Celery City Craft, at the official after-party, with live music from The Smoking Jackets Trio, specialty cocktails, and activities for all ages. Witch and warlock or wizard costume contests will be held there, and entries are accepted from 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Judging is set for around 7 p.m.
Bike and golf cart contest entries must be at Veterans Memorial Park by 4:30 p.m. for judging, which starts promptly at that time. Winners will be announced at Celery City Craft around 7 p.m.
The 2026 ride is partnered with Get Sanford Cycling, and organizers are accepting support for the event through a donation link. In case of bad weather, the ride will move to Thursday, October 29. Updates will be posted on the organizers’ social media pages and the Facebook event page, HERE.
