Planning the Perfect Fall Hayride
Autumn is finally here! We’re ready for crisp air, falling leaves, pumpkin patches, warm coffee, cozy nights and more. One of the most popular activities this time of year is a fall hayride. Whether you’re toting friends around the farm in your favorite utility trailer or giving the neighborhood kids a treat with an afternoon trip, everyone loves a fall hayride.
Your M&G trailer is for more than just work and travel. Before you store it in the shed for a long, snowy winter, enjoy one last autumn celebration!
What You Need
Whether you’re organizing a fall hayride party or a paid event, there are quite a few things you need. The obvious includes straw, a trailer and a tow vehicle. You can also provide everything from food and drinks to party favors. Once you plan your fall hayride, you’ll get a better idea of exactly what you need. Even fall decorations are important to adding to the ambiance of your event.
Food and Drinks
Food and drinks are essential to any good fall hayride. In the cool autumn air, everyone will love some hot cocoa or a hot cider. Bonus points if you offer alcoholic options for the adults! Additionally, there are tons of fall foods and treats to choose from. Everything from hotdogs over the campfire to fresh pumpkin pie works for a fall hayride. Just make sure drinks have a secure lid! You don’t want any spills while people are bumping along the hayride.
If you’re in need of fall food ideas, Pinterest is a great resource.
Fall Hayride Party and Event Ideas
There are tons of fun fall activities you can organize in addition to your hayride. These might include pumpkin painting or carving, bobbing for apples, a corn maze, a scavenger hunt, wheelbarrow races and searching for the candy in a haystack.
You can also sell locally made treats, or hand out fall-themed party favors. This might be bandanas, toy farm animals, mini pumpkins, s’mores ingredients or fall candies.
Fall Hayride Safety
You may be traveling at a low speed around the neighborhood, or driving on your property alone. But it’s important to take simple safety precautions to ensure everyone has a fabulous time at your hayride. These safety precautions are even more important to take if you plan on charging people for a ride.
Plan Your Route
The first thing you should do when planning a hayride is decide on your route. Will you be sticking to your own property? Do you plan to drive around the neighborhood? Which paths are the safest? Which are the most efficient? These are all important questions to ask.
Make sure to identify hazards and avoid driving on real roads. Next, assess if emergency vehicles are able to access every part of the path. Lastly, consider overhead branches and wires, anything that can cause large bumps in the road, sharp turns, steep inclines and poorly drained soil.
Equipment Preparation
Next, you should examine and prepare your equipment. Choose a truck that can handle the toughest parts of your route or choose a tractor with a rollover protective structure. Make sure your tow vehicle can handle the weight of the loaded trailer, and your trailer can handle the weight of the crowd. A cursory examination of the trailer is a good idea, as well as a good hosing down to ensure it’s clean for guests.
Straw Inspection
This one is easy, but important. You’ll want to make sure the straw you plan to use is clean and dry. Damp or wet straw can be slippery and grow mold, which are major safety hazards.
Rider Safety
The safety of your hayride passengers is essential. Plan out your procedure for loading and unloading your trailer, making sure people move one at a time. Let people know that no smoking or lighters will be allowed on the ride. If young kids are riding, make sure there are adults on the trailer. Adults should be seated closest to the trailer exit and the tow vehicle, with kids in the middle.
Liability Insurance
Insurance may not be necessary, depending on your fall hayride situation. If you’re hosting a paid haunted hayride or other fall event you should discuss liability with your insurance company. Sure, things will likely be fine, but it’s better to make sure you’re insured before hosting a hayride.
Now you have your supplies ready, activities planned, and safety precautions outlined. You’re ready to host your fall hayride event. At M&G, we can help you get started with a brand new utility trailer. We’ll help you purchase a new hayride trailer or repair/service your old one. Call us or fill out this contact form to get started.