In its seventh year, the Mobile Witches Ride drew its biggest crowd yet of costumed witches (and warlocks) in their best Halloween finery, cruising through downtown Mobile on decorated bicycles on Sunday.

See photos in the accompanying gallery. Jenn Greene, one of the organizers of the event, said that close to 400 riders had registered in advance. Given the pace of last-minute late registration, she said she expected a total of about 500 people to take part.

Onlookers lined strategic portions of the route, with costumed youngsters ready to pick up treats tossed by the riders. The route, which started and finished on Claiborne Street near The Blind Mule and The Temple Downtown, covered much of Dauphin Street, looping past Bienville Square and into the De Tonti Square neighborhood and along St. Louis Street.

Proceeds from the event benefit Delta Dogs, a nonprofit organization that provides free veterinary care including spay/neuter service to “the pets of Mobile’s community in need.” For more information on the group, visit www.facebook.com/mobiledeltadogs.