Let's make a beautiful noise

I know I have talked about the sounds at the ranch before. I love them all. A personal favorite is the drumming of the emu. Right now I hear the donkeys braying, impatient for their dinner.

Every sound is distinct. I liken it to music. There are happy sounds and sad sounds, and then there is just plain noise, like the call of 13 fallow deer annoyed that their dinner has not yet been served.

This got me to thinking. What do these critters think of the sounds we make? It really is kind of a mixed bag every Saturday when we open. Some of the animals get excited and sound off. Others wait patiently. These are the old pros who know carrots are on the way.

Many just listen. They react to voices and the sound of children laughing. They listen to soft words spoken by visitors. THEY LISTEN.

So we have decided to treat them to the sound of music! On Sept. 24, Windswept Ranch will be alive with the sound of music. We are inviting unplugged musicians to come and play for the animals. Artists will have the opportunity to get up close to some of the animals and make the kind of magic only music can make.

We invite each of you to join us on this very special day. It will be a new adventure at the ranch. Just as we all have our favorite music, let's find out what music these animals like the most. There will be a variety of instruments and types of music. It will be a learning experience for each of us. And of course, there will be magical moments when an artist connects with an animal in a very special way.

In a world full of noise, let's make some beautiful sounds. Let's make music! We will be open Saturday, Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come on out and make some friends and celebrate the sound of music.