Family Fun, Animals, and More on October 12-13
The Williams Ranch is gearing up for its 3rd Annual Fall Festival on October 12th and 13th, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 70 Jones View Drive, Huntsville. The event offers a variety of family-friendly activities designed to create lasting memories. “We’ve got something for everyone – whether you want to spend time with animals, enjoy the outdoors, or just relax and have fun,” said Cheri Wasserman, one of the owners.
Activities Galore
Tickets are priced at $15 for adults over 12, and $7 for children 12 and under. Cheri explained the value of the ticket, “Our admission includes so much – from the petting zoo and hay rides to games and scavenger hunts. You really get your money’s worth.” This year’s festival includes:
- A pumpkin patch to embrace the fall spirit.
- Hay rides throughout the scenic ranch property.
- A mini petting zoo where kids can pet and interact with the animals.
- A bounce house for the little ones.
- Access to fishing lakes, where families are invited to bring their own gear and bait for catch-and-release fishing.
- Boats, kayaks, and paddle boats for water activities on the ranch’s lakes.
- Walking trails for a stroll through nature.
- A picnic area for lunch breaks or snacks throughout the day.
- A fun scavenger hunt that will engage kids of all ages.
- Classic ranch games like Dummy Tying and Corn Hole.
- A playground area for children to climb, slide, and explore.
Cheri emphasized, “We want to make sure that when families come out, they have a full day of things to do. Whether it’s running around in the play area, exploring the lakes, or doing the scavenger hunt – we have it all covered.”
Additional Experiences
In addition to the standard attractions, families can enjoy exclusive experiences for a small fee:
- Saddled Longhorn photos ($3), offering a unique photo opportunity atop a real Texas Longhorn.
- Horseback rides, with two options: $15 for kids under 12 and $30 for trail rides for ages 6 and up. “It’s a chance for kids to experience horseback riding in a safe and fun environment,” Cheri mentioned.
- A Fire and S’mores station ($3) for those who want to enjoy a sweet treat around a cozy fire pit.
- A walk-around animal feeding experience, allowing attendees to see and feed over 60 animals, including more than 25 different species, for $5 per feed bucket. “We have such a unique mix of animals, from farm animals like goats and sheep to more exotic animals like lemurs and a camel,” said Cheri. “It’s a special opportunity to get close and learn about all these creatures.”
Shopping, Food, and Community Fun
Beyond the interactive experiences, the festival will have plenty of food and shopping:
- Food trucks, providing a range of meal options.
- A dessert trailer and mobile lemonade bar to quench your thirst and sweet tooth.
- Gourmet popcorn, a candy booth, and other delicious treats.
- Face painting to add some color and fun for the kids.
- Numerous shopping vendors selling crafts, local goods, and more.
Cheri added, “We have really focused on bringing the community together with our vendors and activities. There will be something for everyone, and we want to support local businesses through our event.”
A Growing Tradition
This year marks the third time the ranch has hosted its fall festival, and Cheri noted the growing interest each year. “Last year, we had around 800 visitors in one weekend. The word is spreading, and we’re excited to see familiar faces and welcome new families to the ranch. We hope that everyone who attends finds something they love and has a memorable time.”
Ticket Information and More Details
Tickets for the event are valid per day and can be purchased online in advance at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-williams-ranch-fall-festival-tickets-1027156832737. “Buying tickets ahead of time helps us better prepare for the festival, and ensures you don’t miss out on any of the fun,” Cheri shared.
For the latest updates on the Fall Festival and to learn more about what to expect, check out The Williams Ranch’s Facebook page. To explore the ranch’s year-round offerings, including venue rental for weddings, birthday parties, corporate events, and more, visit https://www.thewilliamsranch.com/.
