Shared by Monica Hoel, as Guest Blogger.

Did you know that 25% of all candy bought in the United States annually is purchased for Halloween?

Now, I don’t have anything against candy. I’m sitting here with fake candy corn teeth while I’m typing this blog. But isn’t it fun to think about a quintessential fall day that doesn’t focus on chocolate and peanut butter and sugar and licorice...and is anyone else craving candy now?

Come out for an entire day of fun on October 26 at Hungry Mother State Park

Hungry Mother State Park is teaming up with the Glade Mountain Antique Tractor Club (admit it...this already sounds better than a bag of Smarties) to do hay rides at the lake. And they’re working with Holston Rivers Chapter of  Virginia Master Naturalists (known more for nuts than sweets) to do games and education so that kids and adults can go home with a little pumpkin-spiced edification.

All afternoon there will be games and crafts for the kids, and everything will focus on the beautiful colors (think Skittles) and wonders of nature in the fall.

But if you’ve got folks who think it’s not Halloween until you’re scared, then stick around for a program about the wild and untamed animals of the forest! You’ll meet a possum with pointy teeth, a turtle who is QUICK to chomp, and a snake that will try to slither and slide into your sugar sack...and sample your Snickers.

Campfire fun this Saturday at Hungry Mother State Park

In the evening, you can enjoy a hayride around the park, and then the day wraps up with really exciting stories told by the campfire! Maybe we’ll allow just a little candy...for s’mores. I mean...we’re not dentists.

What we are is people who love celebrating all that is great about fall, and we hope you’ll join us.

But expect to go home with a stash of campfire smells, crunchy leaves, some pumpkin guts on your hands, a little straw from the wagon ride, and some extra laugh lines on your face from smiling all day. Why...that’s even sweeter than candy.

Directions and more information about the park can be found here, for overnight accommodations in cabins or campground here, or by simply calling 800-933-7275.