The fifth annual Infinity Acres Ranch Spring Carnival Fundraiser will be held June 1, featuring activities, games and presentations on some of the programs at the ranch.
The carnival will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the ranch at 136 Joppa Road, Ridgeway.
“Families are welcome to spend the day with us and learn more about the wonderful programs for children, families and organizations as well as adults with disabilities that are offered here,” said Laura Steere, executive director of Infinity Acres Ranch.
Admission is $2 per person and includes concessions for sale, a petting animal area and music by Pirates of the Piedmont. For $5, kids’ activity wristbands are available for games with prizes, dunking booth, face-painting and a chance to walk a llama. Wagon rides will be available for an extra $2.
Magellan is sponsoring the carnival with a $1,000 donation. Anyone with a Magellan Insurance Card gets free admission to the carnival.
At noon and 1 p.m., free presentations will be given on owls and also on kangaroos and wallabies. Infinity Acres has two species of owls as well as kangaroos and wallabies. The presentations will include facts about the species, reasons to care about the environment, world conservation and more, Laura Steere said.
Vendors will include the Martinsville-Henry County SPCA, Virginia Museum of Natural History, 31 Bags, Blue Ridge Library with a craft and other local nonprofits. There will be a photo booth that can include animals and participation by other nonprofits.
Carnival-goers also can take part in an obstacle course for llamas for $5. There is no age limit for participating, and no experience is necessary. Ribbons or trophies will be awarded.
“This is a rain or shine event — and we’re hoping for shine,” said Infinity Acres co-founder Rick Steere. “This year’s event is even bigger and better than last year, and we hope the community will come out and support Infinity Acres Ranch. We want everyone to know about our tours, Animal Adventure Camp, community service opportunities and the ENABLE (Enriching Nurturing Animal Based Learning Experiences) program.”
Friends of Infinity Acres Ranch is an educational non-profit that uses a variety of exotic and domestic animals as the teaching medium. Interactive animal activities enhance learning, make emotional connections and offer therapeutic mentoring experiences, according to a news release.
Infinity Acres offers a state-licensed day support program for adults with disabilities, a summer camp for youths with disabilities, group tours and other programs for youth and adults with and without disabilities.
“This carnival helps to bring the community together in a positive way and to showcase area resources,” Laura Steere said.
She added that the Infinity Acres team feels the carnival helps area residents learn about the educational opportunities offered with the animals and outdoors at Infinity Acres Ranch.
“The carnival is a great family event,” Laura Steere said. “We’ll have so much for the community to do — animals, vendors, games with prizes and a variety of vendors.”
Additional vendors are being sought for the carnival. To find out more information or to register as a vendor, call (276) 358-2378 or email infinityacresva@gmail.com.
For more information, visit InfinityAcres.org, which offers everything from camp scholarship forms to lesson plans for teachers. Pictures and videos also are found on the site.
