As September begins, so does hayride season at Jefferson City's Binder Park.
JC Parks Department's fall hayrides at Binder have already begun and will run throughout the fall.
Kevin Schwartz, program manager for outdoor recreation, said the hayrides have been going on for more than 20 years are a "fall staple."
"And I would say over the years, they've not only kind of held their popularity, but they've also continued to grow quite a bit," he added.
Schwartz said the hayride schedule fills up quickly, and that many of those who reserve hayrides are those who have done it before.
October is very popular, particularly as the seasons begin to change.
"We are still actively taking reservations currently, but if interested, in order to ensure a good time with that, we just encourage people to get it as quickly as possible because the times are filling up rather fast," he said.
Hayrides run Tuesday through Sunday and hours vary, so Schwartz encouraged people to call The LINC or visit the JC Parks website to inquire about availability.
The tractor pulls two wagons, each of which comfortably fits 20 adults. Schwartz said one of the wagons is accessible and has a hydraulic lift for those with wheelchairs or other mobility issues.
Each wagon costs $80.
Schwartz said a range of groups use the hayrides, including corporate groups, birthdays, anniversaries and family get-togethers.
"Not only do you get a nice, relaxing, scenic tour of the park on the hayride wagon but you also get dropped off to a built bonfire in which families, corporate groups or any of these user groups have an hour and a half to kind of play yard games, cook s'mores, roast hot dogs or anything like that," he said.
"The great thing about the hay rides is it gives people an opportunity to tour parts of Binder Park that you ordinarily wouldn't get the chance to see," he said.
That includes fruit trees and park wildlife, and the tractor is able to handle undulating terrain, so riders can clearly see the lake, Schwartz said. The parks department changes up the route each year to give riders a fresh view.