By Emily Hernandez Dominguez, Campus News Editor
& Sophia Sullivan, Arts and Culture Editor
Fall has officially blown its way into Dade City. The mornings are getting colder, leaves are starting to dance around, and students are huddled in coffee shops preparing for midterms.
The Dade City Farms in Lake Iola, Fla., welcomed fall in true autumn fashion: With a Fall Festival! Every Saturday and Sunday until October 29, visitors from near and far can experience a Floridian fall that is rooted in the charms of rural life.
For college students, it is vital to get out of the dorms and library to get fresh air, especially during midterm exams. An event like this is the perfect opportunity to wind down with friends orfamily without too much of a hassle or fee.
Ben Hasapidis, a sophomore majoring in digital communications, attended the Fall Festival.
“What I liked about the festival is that there were fun activities you could do like feed the animals, take a ride on the tractor around the property, and look at different vendors of small businesses that were selling handmade items like clothes and hats,” said Hasapidis.
While the property is expansive, there are ample activities to keep visitors engaged, especially if they have young children.
Young adults can find themselves entertained by feeding a decent selection of farm animals, like a Highland cow, goats, and a pony.
Hasapidis was especially excited about one certain animal present.
“You can feed a camel!” Hasapidis exclaimed.
Additionally, the photo opportunities are countless. The farm offers different props, cutouts, and natural backgrounds perfect for an Instagram photoshoot. You can pose with a pumpkin or sit on top of a hay bale or even have monarch butterfly wings in front of a corn field.
Caroline Magill, a sophomore majoring in medical humanities, said: “What I liked most about the festival was the pumpkin patch and the sunflower field. When I think of fall, I think of both these things, and they make perfect spots for photos.”
However, do not forget to feed yourself and your group after feeding the animals and taking photos!
There is a diverse selection of food selections at the festival. If you are interested in an authentic Mexican meal, Yesis Catering is the place for you. They have quesabirria and tacos that make a perfect addition to your day.
If you would rather go Greek, there are options available as well. But, if you would prefer to have classic American cuisine, there are hotdogs and barbeque options. To top it all off, Sugar and Spice, a dessert company, offered various fun and seasonal flavors of cupcakes.
Also, you cannot leave the festival without trying the frozen apple cider beverage!
This is also a fantastic opportunity to support some small merchandise businesses.
Dade City Farms presented an adorable little shed full of local goodies for visitors to purchase. Local honey, freshly cut sunflowers, and homemade jams (which you can sample) were on display and were monitored by an extremely sweet employee.
“I also liked how there were opportunities for visitors to support small businesses by strolling around the shopping tents. There were a lot of unique items being sold,” said Magill.
The farm is a very safe environment, as most visitors come with their families.
“I would go again! It is a great activity to do with friends and loved ones,” said Hasapidis.
If you want to experience a traditional Florida fall, look no further than Dade City Farms, a short 15-minute drive from the Saint Leo University Campus. You will not be disappointed with your choice of fall activity.
