Wilmette, Community

Wilmette women take a witchin’ ride through town

An unusual roadway sight spellbound onlookers on Saturday in Wilmette.

Sixteen bicycling witches took to Wilmette streets for their inaugural ride in what the coven’s founders hope is an annual Halloween tradition.

“I think it was such a success,” said Whitney Stanton, who helped organize the ride on Oct. 26. “It was equally fun for the riders and the people we passed along the route. There were a lot of smiles and honks, and people confused why grown women were dressed as witches.”

Participants in the Wilmette witches ride gather at a local school before they take off.

Witch rides occur all over the country, as a charming Halloween activity to build community and, in many instances, raise funds for local charities. Winnetka has organized a witch ride since 2009, completing another festive outing this year in which they raised $5,000 for The Northwestern Settlement House in the Wood.

Stanton was unaware of Winnetka’s event but knew friends in North and South Carolina who participate in witch rides. She wanted to bring the magic to Wilmette.

It did not take long for Stanton to recruit fellow witches to participate.

“It’s about adults getting in on the fun of Halloween, and fellowship and supporting the New Trier Township Food Pantry,” she said. “The group of women are all from Wilmette, but not all knew each other, so bringing together ladies to have fun and do good.”

Annie Gray (left) and Genevieve Kosoko dressed in their witchy best for the ride.

Each witch contributed a donation that supported the festivities — including prizes for best dressed and best “broom,” aka decorated bike — and a portion of the funds went to the food pantry.

The coven — witches dressed in elaborate and festive garb; many bikes festively accessorized as well — gathered at Highcrest Middle School prior to the ride and then pedaled on a 4-mile journey through central Wilmette. The witches made stops near the homes of many of the participants, where neighbors and children were awaiting the fun — and the candy.

The witches circled back to Genevieve Kosoko’s home to celebrate the day.

Witches (left to right) Rachel Perron Stephens, Elizabeth Cannon, Whitney Stanton and Caitlin Fargo getting ready for the ride.

The next day Kosoko was out and about, and she heard plenty about the witches.

“Some people had been to the witches ride and told me, ‘Oh my god, it’s the talk of the town,'” she said. “I got texts from so many people who are into it. … It was a massive hit.”

Stanton, Kosoko and company are already planning next year’s ride, which they hope includes larger participation and more charitable impact.


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joe coughlin
Joe Coughlin

Joe Coughlin is a co-founder and the editor in chief of The Record. He leads investigative reporting and reports on anything else needed. Joe has been recognized for his investigative reporting and sports reporting, feature writing and photojournalism. Follow Joe on Twitter @joec2319

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