Afton Craven, dressed as Ariel from “The Little Mermaid,” and her father, Aaron, dressed as King Triton, enjoy a walk with a llama during the Harvest to Halloween at the Barn event Saturday at Riley Lake Park. Photo by Rick Olson
Families were treated to a fang-tastic afternoon at Riley Lake Park on Oct. 12, as the city’s Harvest to Halloween at the Barn event brought out little monsters, witches, and heroes for an afternoon of spooktacular fun.
Jaclyn Nelson of Chanhassen paints a pumpkin during Harvest to Halloween at the Barn on Saturday at Riley Lake Park. Photos by Rick Olson
With a crisp autumn breeze and golden leaves falling, the event ran from 1 to 5 p.m., attracting families who enjoyed activities from pumpkin decorating and art projects to horse-drawn carriage rides. Many kids dashed through the Boo-Dash races every 15 minutes, while others braved spooky storytime sessions.
Costumed trick-or-treaters scurried to treat stations, collecting candy as they explored the park’s inflatables and games. Sparky the Fire Dog and McGruff the Crime Dog delighted young fans with appearances, while a sensory-friendly area offered a quiet space for those needing a break. Kids also had the chance to get up close to llamas, adding a delightful twist to their Halloween adventure.
Grace Weiler, a Cedar Ridge second grader from Eden Prairie, aims for the target as she tosses a mini pumpkin during Harvest to Halloween at the Barn Saturday at Riley Lake Park. Photo by Rick Olson
The event also featured food trucks like Floyd’s Mini Donuts and Red’s Savoy Pizza, providing sweet and savory options. By day’s end, families left Riley Lake Park with bags full of treats and memories to last through the Halloween season.
