Hayrides return to Veterans Park

The best parts of Halloween are coming to Veterans Park, pulled behind tractors with Hoover city employees at the wheel.

The annual Hoover Hayride and Family Night will be Oct. 27 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Erin Colbaugh, who is organizing the event for the city of Hoover, said it will once again be free and will include costumes, candy and hayrides around the park.

“It’s a great time for families to gather at the park in a safe environment,” Colbaugh said.

Local businesses set up booths to hand out candy, and Colbaugh said last year there were more than 80 that participated. Other entertainment will include balloon artists, face painters, visits from children’s characters and vendors with food available for purchase.

The hayrides last about 15 minutes, but can be ridden multiple times. Colbaugh said the city decorates the ride route with different Halloween scenes.

About 15,000 people attended in 2015, and the city is anticipating similar numbers this year.

Colbaugh said keeping up with this many people takes a lot of volunteers, from the city staff driving the tractors to the high school groups, such as ambassadors and drama club members, who will spend their time in costumes and managing the activities.

Find more information at hooveralabama.gov.