Playing on the farm for Halloween

LAKE CITY, Minn. — It is not every day that calves wear headbands or costumes. However, on Oct. 26, not to be outdone by their guests, a few calves will be flaunting their bovine nod to a Halloween costume.

Chassidy Klein and her family of Klein’s Cow palace will be hosting the second Moos & Boos Halloween Fun at the Farm event at the calf and heifer location of their farm near Lake City from 2-5 p.m.

“The main thing (last year) was to get people on the farm,” Klein said. “We always take it for granted living on the farm in the open space.”

The Moos & Boos event is free and open to children and their parents and grandparents. Last year, the event had almost 400 attendees.

“I just want them to have fun together, not having cell phone time and screen time, just actually being present,” Klein said.

Klein and her husband, Eric, have four children 7 years old and under. The Kleins dairy farm with Eric’s parents, Dean and Lois. Klein’s Cow Palace milks 700 cows.

Klein said having her children in school bringing home friends has helped her appreciate the experiences playing on the farm has to offer.

“The parents (are) telling you how much fun they had,” Klein said. “You overlook it. I think if you’re able to share what you have, it’s better than keeping it to yourself.”

Participants experience a variety of activities. There is a cow-spotted barrel train for rides. Kids can also play in two calf bunks filled with sand and corn respectively and equipped with kitchen utensils, funnels and dump trucks. A large wooden spool, kids drills, screws and rubber bands give kids another opportunity to build and create.

“It's all lead it with their own imagination type of thing,” Klein said.

Klein bases the activities around things she or family and friends remember playing on the farm.

“(We are) incorporating things that I grew up with that were everyday play, trying to involve that for kids that don't get that opportunity,” Klein said. “A lot of the ideas came from, ‘OK, (with my family or my husband) what did you grow up with that you thought was fun growing up, or maybe you didn't think was fun, but when friends came over, (they thought) it was fun.”

Kids could braid baler twine, shell ear corn or jump or hop on stumps arranged in a circle.

“It's just the simple things that we overlook, that we're doing a lot of things hands on,” Klein said. “So many kids miss that, or don't have that opportunity, or just need a reminder that this is very beneficial for their growth and development and skills.”

Klein was inspired to start the event last year because Wabasha County did not have an on-farm event for the public in 2023. As a member of the county’s American Dairy Association board, Klein said she knew that regardless of where an event was held, she would play an active part in organizing it.

“I just decided that I'd do my own idea and do a Halloween themed (event) on the farm for the public and just see how it went and try to keep it simple,” Klein said.

The event is targeted to children 10 and under, although Klein said she is hoping to get more activities for older children soon.

“I don't have that age of kids, so it is a little trickier for me to think on that level,” she said.

This year, Klein is adding new activities. She is building a wooden ice cream truck playset on skids as well as a wooden tractor playset. Klein said she enjoys building things. She buys plans and donates her labor and tools to make the plans come to life.

She tries to keep all activities dairy related. Klein said she wants creative activities that are hands-on and outside.

“(I) start with ‘What money do I have?’” Klein said. “Then think of things and what we want to put them towards.”

Klein is the main planner for the event, but she also receives help from family and friends. Local sponsors help fund costs of the projects and supplies, donate an item or volunteer to help. Through these sponsorships, Klein has a calf hutch and tractor coming to the event and help with sign lamination.

“Usually, they're more than willing to help out,” Klein said. “That's nice to have the support.”

Wabasha County Dairy Princesses will be attending the event with their dairy farmer’s toolbox — an educational box with items such as a pill gun, ear tagger, calf bottle, foot wrap and more.

Though the event has educational components, she said it is more about being and playing outside. However, Klein recognizes the event’s educational value.

“Being there and being able to see certain things is way more than they get (otherwise),” Klein said.

Klein said her goal is to keep the event uncomplicated. There are no goodie bags or crafts. She has considered possibly serving fall-themed snacks this year.

“It's a lot of work and time and planning on my end,” Klein said. “I just try to remind myself, ‘OK, the simpler, the better.’”

Klein is anticipating another good event.

“I look forward to just having the people come and enjoy it,” Klein said. “We got a lot of positive feedback last year, so that always makes it feel worth it.”