CityView Magazine

12 May 2022 W hether you are a kid wowed by dinosaurs or an adult who likes to relax to live music, Sweet Valley Ranch offers a variety of activities for all ages. e animal park is home to more than 350 animals from all over the world. But it's more than just a place to see animals up close. It also has seasonal events, tours, exhibits and one of the largest outdoor inflatable venues in the state. ere are several events during the year, including Springtime Adventures, Dinosaur World, Tiny's Corn Maze, the Music at the Farm concert series and the Festival of Lights. Springtime Adventures go-carts and ATVs are two popular ways to get around Prehistoric beasts meet modern activities Sweet Valley Ranch has entertainment options for all ages BY JAMI MCL AUGHLIN the farm with guided tours through wooded trails lined with deer-protected wetlands, creeks and ponds. Tours last about 30 minutes, and event planners warn people to wear clothes they can get dirty. Helmets and eye protection are provided. e Dinosaur World exhibit returns June 10 and continues through Aug. 21. is popular exhibit has more than 25 animatronic dinosaurs on a wooded trail with several surprises such as an abandoned research lab, observation booths and other special effects. New this year is an Ice Age exhibit that is sure to unfreeze your senses. ere is also a nighttime experience with a lighted trail from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Saturdays for adults and older teenagers. Tiny's Adventures is one of the largest inflatable parks in the state and also has two playgrounds and an animal meet-and- greet area. e Music at the Farm concert series has three shows lined up this year. On June 25, Rivermist and Kids in America are scheduled to play. On Aug. 20, Indian Outlaw and Jim Quick and the Coastline Band will perform. On Oct. 15, the bands will be Here and Mostley Crue. Guests are encouraged to bring beach chairs and blankets. Concessions are available for purchase. No outside food or drink is allowed. New this year is Sandhills Made Market at Sweet Valley Ranch. e market is expected to have 47 vendors and six to eight food trucks the first and third Saturday of the month. e market is a partnership with Sustainable Sandhills, a nonprofit agency that focuses on the environment. It will run May 7 to Oct. 15. A large percentage of revenue from food purchases will go to local charities, such as Habitat for Humanity, Vision Resource Center and Community Emergency Response Team. Farm tours are available throughout the year. Check things out during a 45-minute IN THE COMMUNITY Sweet Valley Ranch attractions include Dinosaur World, more than 350 animals including mascot Tiny the Bull, and one of the

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