Written by Paige Gurgainers
The witches are coming, the witches are coming…well, not literal witches. More like hundreds of middle-aged women in costumes who love having fun, supporting their community and raising money for a good cause.
Every general rider ticket for the 2026 Witches Ride of Minden has officially sold out, with more than 350 costumed witches confirmed to take over the streets of downtown Minden on Saturday, Oct. 24.
The milestone comes weeks earlier than organizers anticipated and despite an increase in ticket prices. Traditionally, tickets would not even go on sale until after Labor Day. However, growing excitement surrounding this year’s event led the Pearls of Purpose board to vote to release them early.
“We had already created so much buzz around the event that the board decided to go ahead and open ticket sales,” event organizer Sarah Overall said. “We don’t normally even begin selling tickets until after Labor Day, and we are already completely sold out.”
Overall said this year’s event has officially sold more rider tickets than any previous Witches Ride of Minden.
“Even with the price increase, we sold more tickets than we ever have before,” Overall said. “It is going to be huge.”
The event now has the support of 40 sponsors after welcoming three additional sponsors this week. A handful of individual donors have also contributed to the fundraiser. All available golf-cart reservations are booked, and the Enchanted Shopping Market is filled with 40 vendors.
Interest in the ride has also extended far beyond Minden. Since July, the Witches Ride of Minden Facebook page has received approximately 400,000 views. Overall said organizers of witches rides throughout Louisiana and surrounding areas have reached out.
“We have had organizers from other witches rides contacting us and sharing things that have worked for them and wanting to add elements we are using to their events, as well,” Overall said. “It has been exciting to see how much this event is growing and how many people want to be part of it.”
What began as a creative community fundraiser has developed into a full downtown festival expected to draw thousands of riders, spectators, shoppers and families.
Although general rider tickets are gone, those still hoping to participate in the parade have one remaining option. A limited number of Potion Sponsorships are still available and include rider tickets. Once those sponsorships are claimed, no additional opportunities to ride will remain.
A rider ticket is not required to enjoy the rest of the celebration. The downtown festival is free and open to the public, with the Enchanted Shopping Market, children’s activities, the parade and an after-party planned throughout the event.
Spectators will be able to watch more than 350 costumed witches travel through downtown while supporting local businesses, vendors and community causes.
Leading the parade will be Minden’s four-legged Pet Administration. Pet Mayor Scout, Chief of Pawlice Ridge, Fur Chief Raven Pearl and Pet Council members Captain, Baby G, Milo America, Clyde and Ellie Mae will serve as the 2026 grand marshals alongside their owners.
The choice reflects one of this year’s fundraising goals. A portion of the Witches Ride proceeds will help complete the final fundraising effort for Minden’s new animal shelter. Additional proceeds from the event will be invested back into the community.
Overall said the response from riders, sponsors, individual donors, vendors, volunteers and community members has transformed the event into something much larger than organizers initially imagined.
“It started as a crazy little idea, and now it has become a full-blown festival and a major fundraiser for our community,” Overall said. “That is the real magic behind the Witches Ride…people coming together, having fun and helping us give back.”
The 2026 Witches Ride of Minden will take place Saturday, Oct. 24, in downtown Minden. The festival is free and open to everyone.