Ridgewood to Host 'Harvest Moon Family Hoedown' Oct. 5

Ridgewood Parks & Recreation, with co-sponsorship by Jacobsen Landscape Design and Construction of Midland Park, will host an exciting family hoedown, complete with pony rides, a petting zoo, hot air balloon tether rides, square dancing and a food court on Sunday, Oct. 5 at the Habernickel Family Park, located at 1037 Hillcrest Road in Ridgewood.

Embrace the national “Come Alive Outside” campaign which began in 2010 by Jim Paluch in hopes of reducing the sedentary, indoor lifestyle that is contributing to adverse effects in our society.

Playing outside has many benefits, such as improving physical and social skills, stress reduction, increased self-confidence and more. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 60 minutes of free play outside daily is essential for a child’s development. It is the “Come Alive Outside” campaign’s mission to create opportunities for children to get outside for some good healthy fun.

The schedule of events will be as follows:

3:30 to 5:30 p.m. – Petting zoo and pony rides

4:30 to 6:30 p.m. – Hot air balloon tether rides*

5 p.m. – Food court opens

5:30 p.m. – Music and dancing

Advance admission is $10 per person, or $15 at the gate.

*Hot air balloon tether rides are $20 per person and the food court is additional.

Register online at www.ridgewoodnj.net/communitypass or in person/by mail to The Stable at 259 N. Maple Ave. You may locate the registration form on the Recreation homepage at www.ridgewoodnj.net/recreation. Please call the Parks & Recreation Department at 201-670-5560 with any questions or if special accommodations are needed.