HELENA, Mt. — Families got a head start on Halloween celebrations Saturday as Rocking Tree Farm hosted its fourth annual Boo Bash.
The daytime event offered families an opportunity to enjoy some Halloween fun before heading out for evening trick-or-treating. Activities included trick-or-treating, carnival games, petting baby bunnies and a miniature hay wagon ride.
Visitors could also roam the farm and spend time with the animals, some of which got into the Halloween spirit with costumes of their own.
Boo Bash began four years ago as a high school project by a student who wanted to organize an event for the farm. Student volunteers have continued to play a role in putting it together.
Around 20 volunteers helped with this year's event, with roughly 20 volunteer hours going into setup.
Rocking Tree Farm co-owner Dr. Tabitha Garvin-Betancourt said the event is meant to give families a relaxed way to spend time together outdoors.
“The animals tolerate me putting them in costumes. It’s a lot of fun for families to just be able to walk around, being in the outdoors, fresh air, play some games, be at their own pace,” Garvin-Betancourt said.But Boo Bash also serves a larger purpose for the farm. The event is a fundraiser, with proceeds from the cover charge helping with the cost of running Rocking Tree Farm and supporting its mission of helping veterans affected by trauma receive care and mental health support.
The event is held annually on the Saturday closest to Halloween, giving families another way to celebrate the holiday.
