DOWAGIAC — One of Dowagiac’s most kid-friendly attractions will be hosting a special afternoon of fall-themed fun for children on Saturday.

Hidden Acres Petting Farm will host its first-ever Trunk or Treat and Fall Festival from 2 to 5 p.m. that day at its property, 50582 Pleasant St., Dowagiac, outside of Magician Lake.

In addition to stopping and picking up candy from more than 20 vehicles, children and parents will have a chance to play games, create crafts, enjoy refreshments and enter to win prizes during the festival.

Cost for the Trunk or Treat will be free, while admission to the festival will cost $3.

The festivities will cap off the Dowagiac petting farm’s first season of operation.

Cousins and longtime animal lovers Dawn East and Heather Matthews opened the five-acre property in June, to give children a chance to interact with fuzzy critters such as goats, rabbits, chickens and pot belly pigs the two raise on their farm. They also offer pony rides and private riding lessons.

The business — which closed for the season this month — received plenty of visitors its freshman year, East said. The owners decided to put together something to celebrate — as well as to help them prepare for the upcoming winter.

“We want to thank the community for their support this past summer, as well as to raise some money to help us provide for our animals over the winter,” East said.

The cousins said they will use proceeds from the event to pay for feed, hay, medical expenses and other needs for their growing stables and barns.

“When we first came up with the idea, we were initially only going to invite out a few families who have helped us,” Matthews said. “However, we thought it would be fun to include the whole community. It’s something fun and safe for the kids to do, since they will not have to go door-to-door for their candy.”

Around 22 business and organizations will be providing vehicles and candy for the Trunk or Treat, East said. In addition, several other businesses have donated prizes for the drawings, including Dowagiac’s The Mane Attraction and Niles’ Swirlyz.

“[The community support] has been absolutely amazing,” Matthews said. “I started to cry the other day because so many people were stopping by my work to bring candy. Everyone has been totally positive about this event. It’s been a spectacular experience.”

For more information, people may call the farm at (269) 377-9759.