Calling all hags, harpies, harridans, beldames and crones. Time is running out to register for this year’s Ligonier Witches Bike Brigade.
About 1,200 witches are expected for the Oct. 27 event, and fewer than 100 passes remain, says founder Pam Goodman.
The annual women-only event kicks off with a dance party at 11:15 a.m. in Mellon Park at West Main and Market streets and continues with a bar crawl to about a dozen local establishments.
“This is for Fun Loving Witches who want to have a day out with the gals,” the event’s Facebook page says. “Can you bring your 6 year old? It’s a bar crawl, so NO (but they sure can watch the witches dance at the park). Can I bring my boyfriend, husband, significant other? Nope! Witches only!! Leave the kids and pets, guys and problems behind and come have fun with the best witches around!”
For would-be witches wanting to join the fun, the $20 pass is available in Ligonier only at Second Chapter Books, 139 E. Main St., and Fat Daddy’s Place at Route 30 and Grant Street.
The brigade started in 2016 when Goodman says she invited 13 of her friends to dress up as witches and bike for fun to the local bars.
As friends invited more friends, Goodman says, “I decided we need to do this for a reason.”
Event proceeds benefit the homeless pet fund at Donovan Veterinary Clinic in Ligonier and two small animal rescue groups.
The rapid growth of the event has been a welcome surprise, Goodman says. Last year, about 800 participated, up from 400 the year before.
“Most of them don’t even drink, they’re just there for the sisterhood,” she says.
In Mellon Park, a select group of witches will perform the wolfshägen, a traditional German witches’ dance, along with routines to “Thriller” and “Monster Mash.”
The group will then disperse on foot, on bikes and via shuttle through town to visit the Grey Goose, the American Legion and VFW posts, Fat Daddy’s, Carol & Dave’s Roadhouse, Piddler’s Pub, Joe’s Bar, Ligonier Tavern and Table, The Wicked Googly, Forks Inn and Ligonier Volunteer Hose Company No. 1.
Firemen will be selling food and both alcoholic and soft drinks, Goodman says, with proceeds to benefit the fire company. Restrooms also will be available there.
Parking will be available on borough streets and at the Ligonier Country Market site at the west end of town.
Some participating establishments will offer after-parties when the event concludes at 5 p.m.
Details: Ligonier Witches Bike Brigade on Facebook
