BILLINGS - Everybody is looking for something safe to do these days.
ZooMontana has the perfect social distancing activity, bound to put you in the holiday spirit. Your car is a perfectly good viewing spot for the lights, but for those who want to get the full experience, there are horse-drawn wagons.
For many, traveling through the lighted grounds of ZooMontana at Christmas time has become a tradition.
For one family, that tradition means business, family business.
"We've got horse drawn wagons going to see the zoo lights, we've been involved with working with horses since I was a little kid, before I was even born my family's been working with horses, and now we get to carry it on," Elk River Outfitters' Tanner Edward said.
Elk River Outfitters facilitates the rides, and provides the Sleepy Hollow Haunted Wagon Rides as well.
Elk River is a fifth generation family owned business, providing a variety of experiences with horses, and nature in Montana throughout the years.
Wagons seat approximately 16 people.
People are encouraged to reserve with friends and family, and to wear a mask.
"There's not many options for things to do because of the COVID. Fortunately we're one of the few things that can be open, we're in the great outdoors so it's much safer, so we're fortunate to have that and we want you to come out and have a good time with us," Edward said.
Businesses sponsor light displays throughout the zoo grounds, and festivity is recommended.
"If you see another wagon when you're out on your ride we have a challenge, to yell Merry Christmas as loud as you possibly can. We've got bells on the horses so you can hear them the whole time and you listen to Christmas music and sing along if you want and have a good time," Edward said.
The lights will run December 12th, and the 18-24th from 6-9 PM.
Visit https://www.zoomontana.org/zoolights-wagon-rides, or elkriveradventures.com for more information.
