Palencia Flight of Witches Takes Off October 11, 2026

There will be a little extra magic in the air over Palencia this October. One of the neighborhood’s most recognizable traditions returns Sunday, Oct. 11, under a new name — Palencia Flight of Witches — with a newly formed volunteer board, a few new additions and the same spirit that has brought residents together since the event began in 2019.

Formerly known as the Palencia Witches Ride, the event is now led by Palencia residents Tara Vukmanovic, Dawn Reynolds, Megan Sanders and Denise Kelly, who stepped forward to make sure the community tradition continued.

At its heart, Flight of Witches remains a women-only charity bicycle and golf cart ride benefiting Dreams Come True of Jacksonville, a nonprofit that fulfills dreams for local children facing life-threatening illnesses.

Since the tradition began, the generosity of the Palencia community has helped raise more than $46,500. Those donations have helped provide children and their families with experiences ranging from trips to Disney, Hawaii and Salem to cruises, specialized bicycles and other once-in-a-lifetime dreams.

For the new board members, preserving that purpose was just as important as preserving the fun. Vukmanovic became involved with the original ride after moving to Palencia in 2021 and looking for ways to meet other women in the community. What began as an opportunity to make new friends quickly became something more meaningful as she learned about the families supported by Dreams Come True and organizations such as Make-A-Wish and Ronald McDonald House. Reynolds began volunteering with the ride in 2022 and was drawn to both its camaraderie and its impact on local families. Sanders, newer to the event, said she was excited by the way the Halloween-centered tradition brings neighbors together while supporting families in the community. Kelly was inspired by the opportunity to help create moments of joy for children and families going through difficult circumstances. Together, the four women hope to build on the foundation created by the volunteers who came before them.

On Oct. 11, witches will gather for formation at the fountain in front of the Palencia Club before taking flight through the neighborhood aboard elaborately decorated bicycles and golf carts. Residents are encouraged to come outside along the route and cheer them on.

The familiar costume and decorating contests will also return, with prizes for Best Broom (Bicycle), Best Group Theme and Best Decorated Golf Cart. In a special addition this year, winners will be chosen by a Dreams Come True “Dreamer” attending the event.

Once the flight lands, the celebration will continue with an after-party at the Palencia Club, featuring music, food and drinks available for purchase, contests and a new interactive game offering another opportunity to win a grand prize.

The neighborhood is joining the festivities as well. Good Karma Coffee will remain open late on ride day with grab-and-go food, baked goods and a special Witches Brew for riders and spectators.

Safety remains an important part of the event. Participants are required to sign a waiver, and organizers work with community leaders, volunteers and local law enforcement to help keep the ride organized and safe. The Palencia POA is covering the cost of officers helping escort riders and keep residents safe along the route.

Registered witches can pick up their ride materials ahead of the event on Thursday, Oct. 8, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Spinal Solutions, 276 Paseo Reyes Drive, or Friday, Oct. 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. at No Shelf Control Bookstore, 701 Market St.

Registration information can be found on the Palencia Flight of Witches Facebook page and on Instagram at @palencia_witches.

The costumes, decorated carts and witch hats may make Flight of Witches one of Palencia’s most playful traditions, but its purpose goes much deeper. It is a chance for neighbors to gather, make memories and use a little Halloween magic to bring joy to children who need it most.