By Anna Skinner

Fishers families will have an opportunity to enjoy the fall leaves before winter arrives at the inaugural  fall festival 1 to 6 p.m. Nov. 5 at Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve, 10410 Hague Rd.

The Fishers Parks and Recreation Dept. was looking to create another opportunity for an event during the cooler months and a last shot for some eco-therapy before snow falls.

“We talked a lot about the idea of nature deficit disorder (within the parks and recreation dept.), and eco-therapy is a chance to get out in the woods, see the sights and get some exercise,” Parks Director Tony Elliot said. “It’s a great opportunity all around, physically and mentally. We want to give residents as many opportunities as we can to get out and get away from the iPad, to get away from the iPhone and enjoy what we offer in Fishers parks.”

Hikes will be led through the 127 acres of Ritchey Woods with a 30-person cap per hike. Games, crafts, s’mores supplies and a bonfire will be available. Elliot encourages residents to bring their own roasting itemsl, such as hotdogs.

“It’s a beautiful time of year. It’s a fantastic time of year to take that hike and see the trees in peak color and just get out and enjoy the natural environment before we are all cooped up in the winter time,” Elliot said. “It gives us a great opportunity for the smell of the leaves and the smell of the campfire. We wanted to really invite people out to this place we all love within parks and rec and the city.”

For more, visit fishers.in.us/parks.