Halloween with Horses Powered by Radio Disney has grown to be one of the largest one-day events in Douglas County. With horses as the central theme, this fall festival is one of a kind. To make this family favorite possible, many organizations and dozens of volunteers come together. The event is hosted and staffed by the Colorado Horse Park, along with help from the Town of Parker, the Parker Arts Council and sponsorship by many local businesses. Halloween with Horses features attractions for kids of all ages, including horse and pony rides, safe trick or treat barn, hay rides, the stable of terror, Flat Acre Farm pumpkin patch, Bellco Credit Union Bouncy Houses, crafters and the famous horse costume contest.

“With the Colorado Horse Park, the community rises up to make Halloween with Horses a unique fall celebration,” said event organizer Vivien Van Buren. “At what other event can kids meet and ride horses, wear their Halloween costumes, play in a pumpkin patch and go home with a bag full of candy?”

Joining the Horse Park in creating this fall festival are the Parker Arts Council and the Town of Parker. Dean Ladany, former President of the Parker Arts Council, oversees the construction of the Stable of Terror, and along with Troy Parson and Phil Harris, works closely with the fire district to create a haunted house to remember.

Ladany estimates that the crew will have spent more than 500 hours building and decorating the Stable of Terror for its October 16 unveiling. “We really couldn’t do it without these guys and their wives and families,” Ladany explained.

Van Buren continued, “Every year the enthusiasm for this event grows. We have more and more people that want to be involved. This year we have nearly 100 volunteers and we couldn’t do it without them. It’s exciting.

“Sponsors and local businesses agree. Radio Disney, Bellco Credit Union, Flat Acres Farm, Parker Hilltop Apartment Homes, Del Taco, IREA, Buick/GMC, A Bit of Tack, Liberty Mutual, and The Parker Shoppes have made contributions that help make this event possible.

In addition, more than 50 local businesses provide candy and goodies at the Trick or Treat Barn. It is estimated that more than 250,000 pieces of candy and treats will be distributed this year. “Meeting their customers face to face and giving back to the community are important for local businesses,” explained Kelly Kuper, Cultural Coordinator for the Town of Parker.

Founded ten years ago by Sheppard Root with the goal of fostering collaborative relationships, Halloween with Horses has far exceeded everyone’s expectations.

Halloween with Horses Powered by Radio Disney runs 10:00-6:00 on Saturday, October 16 at the Colorado Horse Park in Parker. Enter at 7375 Bayou Gulch Road. Tickets are $14 and include all activities, with the exception of food, drink and purchases from crafters. Receive $1 off one admission when you bring a can of food for the SECOR Food Bank. Children under two are free. General parking is free. More information can be found at www.halloweenwithhorses.org and on Facebook. Call 303-841-5550 ext. 110.

Three minature horses make up this Chinese dragon costume at Halloween with Horses.