Jump Aboard Hay Bales & Tall Tales, This Weekend at Bridgeport Recreation Complex
By Julie Perine on October 20, 2014 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
Autumn is in full swing and the setting is ideal for the annual Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Hay Bales & Tall Tales.
The tractor-pulled trailer will be loaded with hay and ready for rider pick up at 3 p.m. Saturday. For the second year, the event will be held at Bridgeport Recreation Complex, just off Route 131.
A mile-long trail that winds throughout the complex generally accommodates walkers and joggers, but proved last year to also be an ideal route for the hayride extravaganza. Even though the weather was windy and chilly, the 2013 event was well attended, said Parks and Recreation Deputy Director Joe Shuttleworth.
For two hours, the hayride will run its course. In addition to the main attraction, students of Bridgeport High School Key Club and Honor Society will be on hand to host supplemental kids' activities.
"They'll be doing games and face painting," Shuttleworth said. "There will also be a couple of inflatables set up on the baseball fields."
Hay Bales and Tall Tales is a longtime Bridgeport tradition. The event was originally held at Benedum Civic Center and was later relocated to Bridgeport City Park.
Shuttleworth encourages families to take advantage of the free seasonal event.
"The extended forecast is looking good - sunny and 60s," he said.
Also taking place Saturday is the Third Annual GFWC Bridgeport Juniors Trick or Trot 5K. Check-in starts at 7:30 a.m. at the Benedum Civic Center. The 100-yard Kids' Dash begins at 8:45 a.m. and the 5K race at 9 a.m. Runners, walkers and baby strollers are welcome to the family-friendly event. The course begins at the Benedum Civic Center and progresses across the city trail to Bridgeport City Park, where participants will take a lap around the park and head back to the Civic Center. Children over the age of 2 will be accommodated with activities during the race time. Costumes are optional. The 5K registration for those 12 and under is $10 and for ages 13 and over, it is $20. Participation in the Kids' Dash - appropriate for even the littlest runners - is free. For more details and race registration for the Trick or Trot 5K, visit ACTIVE.COM.
The Halloween fun continues into the week with the city's Trick or Treat night, 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30.
Editor's Note: More photos from last year's Hay Bales and Tall Tales by Ben Queen Photography can be seen HERE.
