by Alberta Lim on 2013-08-28

Some of the things that probably pop into mind about the Redlands Market Night are the fresh local produce and booths of great food. But the Redlands Market Night should also be known for all the fun available that caters specifically to kids. Located at the very end of the Market Night strip on State Street, there is an entire section dedicated to fun for kids, which includes pony rides, a racecar trackless train, and Disney Cars-themed slides and jump houses. The laughs and squeals of delight from little children seem to ring through much louder from this section of the Redlands Market Night. “We’ve been coming every week to Market Night for years,” said Danny, of Redlands, as he sells tickets to the Disney Cars-themed slides and jumpers. Tickets are $4. His boss Tom Pacheco is nearby, driving children and their parents on the Race Car Trackless Train. A few yards away, the sound of excited children combine with the pitter-patter of tiny hooves. “These are Shetland Ponies,” Becky Scott of Pony Express explained after she finishes setting children safely on the saddle of their own pony. Scott brings her ponies every week to the Market Night, but during their off-time, the ponies enjoy grazing on a 150-acre pasture. There were five ponies available to ride on this particular night, ranging between 5 to 23 years of age, and standing between 40 to 56 inches in height. Rides are $5 for children older than 1 year and less than 100 pounds. “That one is Turk,” Scott said, motioning to the brown pony with the orange breast collar, who is now carrying little Sean Anthony of Redlands. Sean’s two grandmothers have smiles almost as big as his as they snap photos of their grandson enjoying his pony ride. “We come out on warm nights like this to support the community,” says Sean’s grandmother Patricia. “We come out for the local farmers’ fresh produce, and to just enjoy lots of fun stuff here with family.” Families who visit the Redlands Market Night will find an abundance of activities to enjoy, and the kids will definitely not be left out.