It’s Fall Festival time at Danada Forest Preserve

The annual Danada Fall Festival returns Sunday, Oct. 13, to shine a spotlight on the fall fun and equestrian activities at Danada Forest Preserve.

Activities run 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. centered around the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s Danada Equestrian Center, 3S507 Naperville Road, Wheaton.

Main-arena events feature many of Danada Equestrian Center’s resident horses and its volunteer musical horseback drill team. Numerous guest horses and riders showcase various styles of riding and breeds throughout the day.

Among the many activities taking place across the grounds, visitors can take a hayride through the autumn woods, watch a farrier make horseshoes, tour the barn that once housed Kentucky Derby-winner Lucky Debonair, and learn about horse care, grooming and tack.

Visitors also may visit the Danada House, the former home of Dan and Ada Rice, and view the Friends of Danada Nature Art and Photo Show, a juried competition featuring local artists. Children can decorate paper hobby horses, play in a straw pen, paint pumpkins, or stop by the face-painting booth.

The Danada Fall Festival is the forest district’s largest special event, drawing more than 12,000 visitors each year. Admission and parking are free. Concessions are available; some activities have small fees (cash only).

For details, call (630) 668-6012.