The zip line and climbing tower for adrenaline-producing fun!
–by Cara Russell—
Archery — one of the many treats of the Orkila Fall Fest
The wind came in from all directions and carried plump rain drops with it, but it was not strong enough to keep people away from the YMCA Camp Orkila Fall Festival and hay rides on Friday, Oct. 17.
Screams could be heard over the wind: screams from someone riding on the zipline for the first time, and screams of delight from kids playing in the field. The free, family-friendly event began at 1:30 p.m. and transitioned throughout the afternoon’s kid-friendly hay rides to the evening’s famous haunted hay ride.
Under a large white tent, there was a steady production line of hot dogs, soup, apple cider, and brownies. Kids had their pick of pumpkins great or small to carve. Face painting, archery, and
Pumpkin Carving — an Orkila Fall Fest tradition!
cute goats were guaranteed fun.
And for the thrill seekers, there was the climbing tower and the 1000-foot zipline. Just taking the stairs to the top of the tower and looking down, feeling the structure sway in the wind was a thrill…for some.
At 5 p.m., 30 kids and parents at a time hopped on the family hay ride through the camp. One dad recalled that the best parts were “all the hay, and how bouncy the ride was.” Then from 7 to 8:45 pm, the truly gutsy braved the “legendary, fear-inducing Haunted Hay Ride.”
Thank you, YMCA Camp Orkila, for another successful and fun family event!
