Danada Center's Fall Fest draws in equine fanatics

Horse-lovers flooded through Danada Equestrian Center on Sunday, despite early morning rain.

During the center's 2007 Fall Festival, children and adults of all ages took part in horse-training demonstrations, hayrides, barn tours, face painting, family expos and food while touring Danada Forest Preserve's facility in Wheaton.

In preparation for the rain, forest preserve officials put tents above major booths and activity areas.

Franny Keyes, who volunteered at the education booth, said the weather didn't seem to dampen anyone's spirits.

"It's really going well. I'm excited that there are this many people here," she said. "I like visiting the horses to see all kinds of breeds that I usually don't see."

Tyra Luhrsen of Wheaton checked out the festival with her 5-year-old daughter Jule. They came again this year for more farm and barn-style fun.

"I had fun playing in the hay last year," Jule said. "We also like painting the pumpkins."

Visitor Julia Healy said the festival and the center give people a sense for how DuPage County used to be before it was developed.

"This is just a great festival for helping people understand how fun the horses are," she said. "It's just a really nice place to come."

Allison Conn, 15, of Wheaton volunteered at the festival as part of Wheaton Warrenville South High School's Key Club. Her work involved setting up hay areas and decorating stalls with dried corn leaves.

"I like that I've been able to work with animals and help out a lot," she said. "I've never done that before."