Madison Witches Ride calls for residents to serve as volunteers
MADISON – Both the haggardly and the charming entrants for Madison Witches Ride are counting on their mortal counterparts to endorse the event with a sponsorship and volunteering at the eerie event.
In its fifth year, Madison Witches Ride will open with a ‘fly-in’ by the cackling crew on Oct.18 at 3 p.m. Their pompous parade will trudge northward on Garner Street from Journey Middle School.
After the parade, the witches invite everyone to join them at Home Place Park for food truck treats, music and carnival- type amusements. The shenanigans will close at 5 p.m.
“We can’t pull off this magical event without our amazing volunteers!” Christina Hearne said. Hearne is Executive Director of Madison Visionary Partners, the 2026 event coordinator. “From helping with event setup to keeping the ride running smoothly, our volunteers play an essential role in making Madison Witches Ride a success.”
Volunteers can choose where they will work:
• Block party setup Set up games, bubbles and facepainting stations. 12:30 to 2 p.m. Two volunteers.
• Route setup volunteer – Assist on ride/parade route on Garner Street and at Journey. 12:30 to 2 p.m. Four people.
• Witches lineup Help set up and organize witches’ registration and check-in area. 1 to 3 p.m. One person.
• Candy setup and refill stations – Organize candy refill wagons, distribute candy at refill stations and give more candy to witches as needed during the ride. 2 to 4 p.m. Two people.
• Parking monitor: stadium — Direct parking for attendees at Madison City Schools Stadium. 2 to 3 p.m. Two people.
• Route monitor Stand along route before/ during ride to confirm that candy catchers (children) stay safely behind caution tape and out of road. 2 to 4 p.m. Eight people.
• Bubble volunteer – Monitor a bubble machine and refill when needed. 3 to 5 p.m. Two people.
• Face painting – Apply paint for temporary designs. 3 to 5 p.m. Four people.
• Temporary tattoos – Apply designs that resemble tattoos. 3 to 5 p.m. Four people.
• Clean-up crew — Clean debris from parade route, witch lineup and Home Place Park after event. Restring for carline at Journey. 4:30 to 6 p.m. Five people.
• Check-in of volunteers – Sign in individuals and teams as volunteers. 1 to 5 p.m. Two people.
To volunteer, visit mvpmadison.org/madison- witches-ride. On the new window, click the “Volunteer at the Witches Ride” box. On the sign-up window, click the line with the area where you want to volunteer. Next, sign in with your Facebook, Google or your email.
In other assistance, Madison Witches Ride has several levels of sponsorships. “We invite you to be part of this exciting chapter by becoming a sponsor,” Hearne said. For 2026, all proceeds will benefit Madison Arts Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to growing a vibrant and inclusive arts culture in our city.
“Your investment helps create a memorable community event while supporting the Madison Arts Alliance’s important work and the future of Madison Witches Ride,” Hearne said. Madison Arts Alliance will assume authority for Madison Witches Ride in 2027.
The ride has varying levels of contributions and returns:
• Bronze Goblet Sponsor — $250 donation. These sponsors will have company logo on MVP website, sponsor’s marketing material in witches’ registration packet and one complimentary ride entry.
• Silver Wand Sponsor — $500. Previous benefits plus company promotion on social media and two entries.
• Gold Cauldron Sponsor — $1,000. Previous benefits plus booth space at event (if requested) and four entries. Six ride entries.
“We hope you’ll join us in making the 2026 Madison Witches Ride our best one yet,” Hearne said.
As of Oct. 4, sponsors included Rocket City Mom and ABC Cleaning and Registration, Gold Cauldron Sponsor; Kidstrong and Murphy Homes, Silver Wand Sponsor; and Cepeda and The Offices at Spenryn, Bronze Goblet Sponsors.
For information about sponsorships, visit mvpmadison.org/madison-witches- ride. For more information, email christina@mvpmadison.org.
