Little Everglades Ranch is rolling out the welcome mat this weekend for a new event called “Ranch Days.”
Slated for Feb. 11, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Feb. 12, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the event features live music, tethered hot air balloon rides, hiking tours, tram tours, a balloon glow and exhibitions, including high-wiring walking, indigenous snakes and birds of prey.
(Courtesy of Kevin Campbell)
“The property is just such a stunner, we think it makes a great backdrop for an event like this,” said Kevin Campbell, facility event manager.
Over the years, people have visited the 2,100-acre ranch, owned by Bob and Sharon Blanchard, for all sorts of events, Campbell said. Little Everglades Ranch is at 17951 Hamilton Road in Dade City.
Visitors have come for Savage Races, Steeplechase Races, equine events, track meets and other activities.
“People always ask us if we do tours,” Campbell said. With “Ranch Days,” the ranch finally will.
“The Boys Scouts are leading a mile-and-a-tenth hiking tour,” Campbell said. There also will be tram tours and rides available in the LARC, an aluminum-hulled amphibious cargo vehicle.
Tino Wallenda, of the famed Wallenda family, will do the high-wire act. The indigenous snake show features Jim Mendenhall, of Rattlesnake Festival fame, and the birds of prey will be shown by Lady Kitty.
Live music — with styles ranging from country to bluegrass to jazz and others — will be offered on two stages, throughout both days
“All of the entertainment is free,” Campbell said. There also will be a free balloon glow at dusk on Feb. 11.
American Balloon Company will offer tethered balloon rides for a fee, and LARC rides also will be available for a fee, Campbell said.
Those attending the event will be able to purchase food, with offerings ranging from barbecue to Mexican, from Cuban to Cajun, to typical fair foods, as well as snacks and drinks.
No coolers, outside food or beverages, or pets are allowed.
Campbell said organizers are hoping for an attendance of around 5,000 people, but can handle a much larger crowd.
Organizers hope “Ranch Days” becomes an annual event, but will see how it goes this year before making future plans, Campbell said.
Besides the rides and tours, there’s also plenty for kids to do, as well as a wide array of artisans and crafters, too, including a world-renown chainsaw artist, Campbell said.
Admission is free, but parking is $10 for cars, and $25 for buses and RVs.
For more information, visit RanchDays.com.
Published February 8, 2017
