It's almost Thanksgiving so that means Christmas is here. The beloved local winter attraction Winterhaven is going to make some ethical changes to its wagon rides this year. The official website says the winterhaven wagons will be "mechanized" and the mules have been forced in to retirement.

Simply put, it is time we decide whether the wagons rides should continue with mules at the front or is it time to convert to vehicles out of respect for the safety of those on our wagons, people walking around in winterhaven, and our mules. We love our mules. We love having them in winterhaven. We love promoting the beauty and work ethic of the mules. We love advocating for their amazing talents by driving them in winterhaven. However, as heartbreaking and disappointing as it is, we believe that change is inevitable.

Will you guys support this effort of change towards a safer Festival of Lights? We believe so! We have faith in you! The Food Bank has faith in you! Still, the biggest question of all is will we be making the right choice? Will we be able to sleep at night?

I know I will…

But I’ll cry a little for the winds of change…. Julie...

I applaud this change and hope to make it out this year because I have never experienced the magic that is Winterhaven. My family would make the trip but give up because of the long wait and traffic. It makes me feel better knowing that no animals will be forced to haul me around for my amusement.