Runners, walkers and families all have a great reason to visit McCloud Nature Park on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016, when the Parks Foundation of Hendricks County and Hendricks County Parks & Recreation host their annual Fall Colors Run, immediately followed by the Fall Colors Festival.
Getting the day off to a running start is the Fall Colors Run, which offers 10K, 5K and one-mile courses through McCloud Nature Park’s trails and along Big Walnut Creek in the peak of fall foliage season. The one-mile race begins at 8:45 a.m. with the 5K and 10K races starting at 9 a.m.
Participants in the Fall Colors Run will enjoy timing services provided by RaceMaker Productions and a caramel apple bar around a bonfire. Finishers will receive a commemorative winter hat and will be entered to win a variety of giveaways.
Registration is $30 per person, or take advantage of a special family rate by registering up to six family members for a total cost of $60. Register by Oct. 6, 2016, to ensure a commemorative winter hat. Registration can be completed at www.pfohc.org.
Immediately following the Fall Colors Run is the Fall Colors Festival, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This free, family-friendly festival offers archery target practice, pumpkin carving, climbing activities, face painting, games, crafts and more. Beasley’s Orchard in Danville is generously donating a large number of apples and pumpkins for the Fall Colors Run and the Fall Colors Festival so that everyone can get into the autumn spirit.
Festival participants can also walk any of the 6.5 miles of trails at McCloud Nature Park, explore Big Walnut Creek, and venture into the turtle-themed prairie maze while they’re there. Hayrides and food – including s’mores, hot dogs, apple cider and a caramel apple bar – will be available for purchase.
Families are not required to participate in the Fall Colors Run to enjoy the Fall Colors Festival.