This year I happened to be in Utah before Halloween and my Grandchildren insisted that I go with them to "Cornbelly's," which is kind of a cross between a carnival and a county fair, but based on a Halloween theme. Some of the special events and attractions included: Insanity Point (for older kids), Magic Shows, Stunt Dog Show, Pig Races, Wild Wonders, Touch-A-Tractor, Scary Tales & S'Mores, Character Greeters, Pumpkin Princess Pageant, corn maze, various parades and fireworks. And, of course, there are the games, food booths, exhibits, and a dance party for the older kids. A General Admission ticket covers the cost of most things, but there is an additional charge for food/beverage, Insanity Point, and a few other items.
When we first enter the grounds, there was a Touch-A-Tractor exhibit that want-to-be farmers could sit on and have their pictures taken.
Look Honey! I shrunk the kids! And, there was a house that defied gravity and a tent full of corn that you could bury your kids in. However, if your kids sprout and come to the surface we were told that you have to harvest them and take them home again.
I had never been in a corn maze before, but I thought it sounded like fun. However, I soon learned that this is not my kind of fun, especially in the dark and when it is cold outside. We were told that it takes about an hour to find your way through the maze for the first time; but if you get tired there are observation towers that you can climb up to get your bearings and when all else fails, you can ask one of the "Corn Cops" for directions.
The singing plant and animal shows reminded me of Wall Drug Store!
And, of course, there were the typical rides, games, a 10 foot tall cow, old animal driven trucks, and painted hay bales.
Gift shops and food vendors were located throughout the park that sold all types of foods and gifts and some unusual brew was available!
I didn't participate in the petting zoo, but I did tour the bird exhibit and looked at a demonstration truck that shows how bees make honey.
They even had a Jack-O-Lantern tree that was decorated with carved pumpkins; or you could carve your own pumpkin, for a fee of course.
I also learned something new. Did you ever wonder why pumpkin Jack-o'-Lanterns are made for Halloween? I had never really thought about it, but I found out that the tradition goes back to East England and Irish folklore about a character named Sinful Jack. As the tale goes, Jack captured Satin by using some crosses he made and would not let Satin go until he promised not to take Jack's sole. For his freedom, Satin agreed. However, when Jack did die, he was so sinful that he couldn't get into Heaven, and since the Devil had promised not to take Jack's sole, Jack was left to wander the earth in total darkness. The Devil, feeling a little sorry for Jack, threw him a piece of burning coal, which Jack put in a pumpkin to light his way and ward off other demons. As Jack wandered around holding his pumpkin that contained a burning piece of coal for light, he became known as "Jack of the Lantern," which was shortened to "Jack-o'-Lantern." In modern times, scary faces are often carved on the pumpkin to scare evil spirits away, including Jack.
Insanity Point is for older kids, so I elected to skip this venue.
I always enjoy fireworks displays. Fortunately, the fireworks display was at 10 PM, so after the fireworks display I went home while the kids stayed until the park closed at midnight.
BONUS PICTURES (Historic Halloween File Pictures)
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