Sunday social!

The afternoon brought a festive meal at the Ace of Hearts Ranch, featuring live music by Patchwork and a wildlife display by Safari Todd Wildlife Productions. The latter included scorpions, tarantulas and snakes, among other creatures. After loading my plate with BBQ pork, beans, biscuit and a seven-layer chocolate bar, I enjoyed a seat with familiar faces at one of the red-and-white-checked tables underneath the picnic shelter decorated with white Christmas-tree lights.

When Safari Todd brought out one of his two endangered Florida panthers, I had to revisit the display. Then he and his assistants let visitors pet the big kitty and listen to her purr. I couldn't resist the opportunity. What an awesome animal!

The social provided a wonderful way to end two weeks of festival attendance. I look forward to attending next year's event... and maybe even handling the scorpions, tarantulas and snakes among Safari Todd's menagerie.