The first Hernando Witches Ride is still on for tonight. Organizers posted their day-of guide Saturday morning: the parade starts at 5:30 p.m., rain or shine, and costumed “witches” will ride through downtown Hernando near the Courthouse Square.
The event, billed as “The First Flight,” is a first for Hernando. Organizers have built it around the motto “good witches do good,” and families are encouraged to bring the kids in costume and line the route.
Hernando Witches Ride: Parade Route and Times
Here is what organizers shared for Saturday, Oct. 10:
Witching Hours (shopping): 2 to 4 p.m. at participating downtown retailers
Riders gather: on W. Valley Street, behind Pink Zinnia
Parade: 5:30 p.m., rain or shine
Parade ends: at Off the Square
After party: at Off the Square
The route map organizers posted shows the riders looping through the streets around the Square, including stretches of W. Valley, Northern, North, West, Center and Commerce streets. The map also marks holding areas for solo riders, duos and “covens” (groups), plus parking and public viewing spots. Spectators should arrive early, because downtown streets along the route are expected to be busy before the 5:30 start.
Witching Hours Shops and After Party
Sixteen downtown businesses are listed on the official map as Witching Hours retailers: The Square Cupboard, Social + Saint, HOTWORKS, Magnolia Soap, Heather Strickland Photography, Off the Square, Side Alley Gifts, Yo Bro Coffee, Pink Zinnia, Everworth Apparel, Rise Up Acai, Mrs. Hippie Eats, Sweet Fizz, Buon Cibo, Haircuts by the Square and Side Street Nutrition.
Off the Square, the after party host, said on its own page that it will have “Witchyoke,” a DJ and a Halloween-themed menu. It noted that from 6 p.m. to close, the venue is 18 and older and will serve a limited bar menu only, so families with younger children should plan dinner elsewhere.
Windy Weather for the Parade
Riders and spectators should dress for wind. The National Weather Service in Memphis has a Wind Advisory for DeSoto County and much of North Mississippi until 8 p.m. Saturday, as the remnants of Isaias pull away. North winds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, are expected. The weather service warns that gusts can blow around unsecured objects and bring down tree limbs.
That means pointed hats, capes and props should be pinned down, and riders should keep loose costume fabric secured. Organizers have said the parade goes on rain or shine. Check the Hernando Witches Ride Facebook page for any last-minute changes.
