By Paige Gurgainers –
Three hundred riders, thousands of visitors and a downtown filled with Halloween spirit helped make the 2026 Witches Ride of Minden the event’s biggest celebration yet. But behind the costumes and festivities was a mission reaching beyond the parade route: putting books into children’s hands and helping build a new home for animals awaiting adoption.
This year’s event raised more than $40,000, bringing its four-year fundraising total to $150,000, according to organizers.
The proceeds will support two efforts connecting children, animals and a celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Every first grader in Webster, Bienville and Claiborne parishes will receive a copy of Henry, the Star-Spangled Spaniel by Louisiana author and Studyville owner Amanda Martin. The book follows a lovable spaniel through American history.
The Witches Ride will also supplement money raised through the 2026 Pet Election to help meet the fundraising goal for Minden’s new animal shelter.
Those causes gave this year’s celebration a distinctive theme, with organizers encouraging riders to draw inspiration from furry friends, America’s 250th anniversary and all things “red, white & BOO” when planning their costumes, coven themes and parade throws.
The response was record-setting. With 300 riders participating, this year’s parade more than doubled last year’s rider count. Thousands of people filled downtown Minden for an afternoon and evening of shopping, food, costumes and family entertainment.
Activities began at 2 p.m., giving families time to explore downtown before the parade rolled at 5 p.m. The day’s lineup included a children’s book reading at Red Blooms, a children’s costume contest and a coloring contest offering two $75 prizes.
Three Little B’s and Shug’s offered sweet treats for purchase, while the festival lineup also included a trampoline attraction, an outdoor movie and live music from The Caravan Band at the Minden Civic Center following the parade.
Beautiful weather helped set the scene, but organizers credited a broad network of supporters with bringing the event together. Thirty-four volunteers, more than 50 sponsors, downtown merchants, vendors and community partners contributed to the celebration. Additional donors supported raffles, the cake walk and other fundraising activities.
In just four years, the Witches Ride has grown from a fun idea into a community tradition that pairs Halloween entertainment with local giving. The fifth annual Witches Ride of Minden is scheduled for Oct. 23, 2027.
