Fun Fall Festivals

November 17, 2021

Fall festivals at Candlelight were a hit with over 21 families and 100 individuals joining us for a Military Family and Candlelight Ranch family festivals. Families enjoyed classic fall family fun including a hayride to a pumpkin patch led by Candlelight Ranch co-founder Don Barr, painting pumpkins, creating homemade scarecrows and caramel apples! In addition to fall festivities, families also enjoyed experiential lessons on Central Texas plants & animals, fishing, archery, hiking, picnicking, playing in our all-accessible Reese’s Treehouse and fall crafting! Our families of all abilities and needs from all over Central Texas visited for a day of new experiences, bonding and social connectedness. As one participant reflected, “I really enjoyed getting to do things I am not usually able to do!”

Our family events take a village to pull off, and many volunteers and volunteer groups came together, donating their time and talents to make these events possible! Families learned about Central Texas native animals, how to cast a fishing pole and shoot archery from the Highland Lakes Master Naturalists, a local volunteer-based organization whose mission is to provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities. HLMN partners with the ranch to help teach our families about science and wonder of nature by leading fun and education programs approved by Texas Parks and Wildlife. The Lago Vista Women’s Club out did themselves with an incredible spread of Halloween treats for our Military Families and Young Men’s Service League from the chapters of Four-Points and Hill Country offered great support to our families participating in activities! Our programs volunteers, zipline facilitators and high ropes course facilitators were crucial to making this happen by giving selflessly of their experience and passion. Thank you all for helping make our fall festivals a success.