MADISON – When the outside air starts to turn nippy, glamorous and grotesque creatures will convene for the Madison Witch Stroll in historic downtown Madison.

The afternoon of Oct. 13 promises fun-filled, fall frivolity but also involves a worthy cause. Organized by Madison Visionary Partners or MVP, the event will benefit funding for the Madison Splash Pad.

The ghoulish gals who participated in the 2023 Madison Witches Stroll generated more than $7,100 for the splash pad. MVP appreciates everyone who participated in 2023 and hopes for an even larger crowd of sirens and spectators in 2024.

Registration will open to witches on Sept. 1. MVP welcomes all witches — good and bad, sweet or spooky, goofy or gorgeous. MVP encourages friends to form a Witch Squad with theme costumes or fly solo – witches of all descriptions are welcome.

The witches will lead their pets in a parade and spread Halloween cheer as they pitch candy to throngs of children along Main Street. After the witches fly, amusements will open for the audience, and animals will preen for the Pet Costume Contest .

The tentative schedule may need minor changes before the big day on Oct. 13:

* 2 p.m. — Parking for parade opens. Witches will find their spots along the route.

* 2 to 2:45 p.m. – Check-in for witches in the parade.

* 2:45 to 3 p.m. — Witches will line up.

* 3 p.m. – Madison Witches Stroll will begin.

* 4 to 5 p.m. — Food trucks, music and wickedly fun activities will entertain the audience.

* 4:30 p.m. — Pet Costume Contest.

* 5 p.m. – Witches claim their brooms as event concludes.

Any company or organization interested in becoming a sponsor can email melissa@mvpmadison.org, or visit mvpmadison.org/madison-witches-ride.

Witches of all sorts are welcome — good and bad witches, sweet and scary witches, goofy and gorgeous witches. However, only family-friendly costumes will be permissible to participate. If officials determine any costume or decorations are inappropriate for children, the individual will be asked to change or leave. Political signage is prohibited.

Registered witches will receive email with all needed details. Sponsors have included goodies for witches; witches can retrieve their ‘swag’ at the stroll’s check-in.

Rain date will be Oct. 20. A witch will not receive a refund because of rain; all registration fees will be considered a donation for the splash pad project.

Individuals can volunteer for the Boo Crew and receive official volunteer service hours, if needed.

All witches who register for Madison Witches Stroll must be 16 years old or older. Younger witches are welcome to participate as candy catchers and at festivities after the stroll.

For more information, visit mvpmadison.org/madison-witches-ride.