CULLMAN, Ala. – Good witches and bad witches alike will descend on Cullman’s Warehouse District to drink witches brew, glide through the cobbled streets (on golf carts) and throw candy to spectators on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, as Les Dames Cullman kicks off its second annual Witches Ride.
With live music, inflatables, face painting and plenty of food vendors, it’s a parade you won’t want to miss. The ride aims to raise funds to install feminine hygiene product dispensers and organic products in every school in Cullman County to meet the needs of young women who may be struggling to afford those monthly necessities.
Les Dames Cullman Co-Founders Laura Quick, Allison Bright and Amy Carter reflected on the inaugural ride hosted in 2022, noting that while the rain presented some challenges, women still showed up and ready to be boots on the ground – or, golf carts, on the ground – to show their support for girls and young women in Cullman. Quick also noted a few changes in the flow of the event.
“This event was our first ever in 2022 and we marveled at how women showed up even in the rain to ‘ride’ for the young women in our community,” said Quick. “We learned so much from our first event and we have made some changes! Our parade will go straight down First Avenue and we are hoping families and children will gather down First Avenue in the Warehouse District. The ‘witches’ will start throwing candy as they come out of the parking lot across from Festhalle and will continue throwing until they reach Flavors (Bakery)!”
The cost per individual to walk or ride in the parade is $50, the amount Les Dames has estimated to cover products for one girl or young woman for one school year.
“For every ‘witch’ that registers at $50, it’s like going back and buying feminine hygiene products for another young woman under the age of 19,” said Quick. “It’s amazing to think of that way!”
While many have asked about product donations, Quick shared that it’s easier for Les Dames to accept monetary donations to continue outfitting the schools with dispensers and streamlined products through its partnership with Aunt Flow, a company that aligns with Les Dames’ mission of ending period poverty.
“The company we are partnering with to outfit schools is called Aunt Flow. We chose this company because all of the products they offer are completely organic. We were intentional about finding a feminine hygiene partner that could provide the most safe products,” explained Quick, who explained the dispensers also make it easier on school employees to restock and maintain the products.
“Les Dames currently has no overhead and is fully volunteer run. This means when you donate, 100% of the money is going straight to our effort to eradicate period product poverty in Cullman County and gather women for mentorship opportunities!” added Quick.
While the event is aimed at raising funds for girls and young women, Quick made sure to mention that the event is open to all to join in on the festivities – warlocks and wizards are welcome, too!
“Please know this event is so fun for the whole family! Let your kids dress up and bring friends and the whole family!” she said. “Our events are designed to raise awareness, to gather women in meaningful ways and to help all of us pursue more generous ways to live.”
To register to join in on the parade, visit https://tinyurl.com/LDWitchesRide. Registration ends Monday, Oct. 16, 2023. Attending the parade is free. To learn more about Les Dames, visit www.lesdamescullman.com.
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