Something wicked this way comes through Wilmette

Why were dozens of witches cycling through Wilmette on Saturday?

Two-time witch Rachel Stephens broke it down.

“Riding a bike is fun—period. Halloween is fun—period. Women away from their children hanging out together, fun—period,” she said. “You mix all those things together, very fun—period. … Why would I not be here?”

And she is far from the only one who felt that way.

Stephens was one of 84 witches to join the second Wilmette Witches Ride on Saturday, Oct. 11, when the dozens of fantastically dressed women and bicycles traveled through town.

The event grew five times from its 16-rider humble beginnings in 2024. Stephens was part of the inaugural ride and had to invite friends for Round 2.

“Whitney Stanton did such a great job community organizing last year that we had to come back out for the second year and bring friends and it was so much fun,” she said.

For her part, Stanton was excited to expand the coven and received help from fellow organizers Annie Gray, Melissa Fingerhut and Tali Nole.

Stanton said starting the Wilmette Witches Ride a year ago was “a wild idea” and she’s been “blown away” by the number of locals who want to get witchy for a good cause.

“I wasn’t sure people would hop on the idea with me, but I think people are so excited to get together, to meet others, to have a sense of community and also be able to do something good for the community,” she said. “And that’s what makes it fun for me as well.”

Each participating witch contributed a donation to participate, and with the substantial expansion, the Wilmette Witches Ride was able to donate more than $3,000 to the New Trier Food Pantry.

“Wilmette is such a wonderful community and this is such a fun Halloween event, but at the core, this event is a fundraiser and our goal is to give back to the community, which Wilmette really rallies around,” she said.

The riders began near Ridge Road south of Lake Avenue, headed up Hunter Road and through Kenilworth Gardens, then back to Lake Avenue and east to downtown Wilmette. Many of the witches tossed candy toward friends, neighbors and family members posted up at designated viewing areas along the route.

Once in downtown Wilmette, Stanton said the group “kept the witchy vibes going” at the area’s bars and restaurants.

Photos and videos of the fun were quickly shared on social media, drawing plenty of positive feedback around the community.

“It makes me very excited for next year,” Stanton said. “I’m still surprised how it grew from Year 1 to 2. I think it will be bigger and better in Year 3.”

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