With temperatures dropping to typical fall-like 70s, locals are getting into autumn full swing, placing festive mums on their porches and stocking their shelves with pumpkin spice products.  

 

Another staple of the fall season is Bridgeport Parks and Recreation's annual Hay Bales Fall Festival, slated for 3-5 p.m. Sat., Oct. 26 at Bridgeport Recreation Complex. 

 

“We’ll have bounce houses, hay rides, cotton candy, snow cones, candy and lots of games and activities with small prizes,” said Parks and Recreation Coordinator Katie Squires.

 

The tractor-pulled hay wagon will be ready for rider pickup at 3 p.m. A mile-long trail that winds throughout the complex generally accommodates walkers and joggers, but has proven to also be an ideal route for the hayride extravaganza. The hayride and other activities will last through 5 p.m.

 

Scheduled to make her first appearance at the 2018 festival was the Disney Jr. family-friendly vampire, “Vampirina.” But since last year's event was rained out, that didn't happen. She will is scheduled to be part of this year's fun, Squires said. 

 

“Vampirina is popular with the kids. She’ll be roaming around, visiting with kids during the festival and kids can get pictures taken with her and meet her,” she said.

 

To get into the spirit, festival attendees are welcome to wear animal ears, witch hats or other festive accents or costumes.

 

“This is just a great, fun, family activity to do in the fall – a chance to come out and spend time together at our beautiful recreation complex,” Squires said. “It’s really a great fall activity for the kids of all ages and their families.”

 

There is no cost involved. All activities and refreshments are offered free of charge to members of the community. Parks and Recreation staff members work hard, putting in many hours to make the festival a quality event.

 

The event is a longtime Bridgeport tradition, which has been held at different venues. Before relocating to Bridgeport Recreation Complex, it took place at Bridgeport City Park.

 

There will be updates as final plans are made for this year's Hay Bales and Fall Fest. 

 

Editor's Note: Photos of the 2017 Hay Bales Fall Festival are by Ben Queen Photography.