Reader’s Digest names venue 1 of 50 best

Candyland was in the national news again yesterday, and  it’s about to get a little bit more magical.

Msn.com’s home page on Wednesday morning featured a Reader’s Digest story titled, “The Best Christmas Town in Every State.” The story features 50 slides of towns and cities that do Christmas in a big way, and Andalusia was first on the list.

The content about Andalusia said, “Who says it never snows in the South? This small Alabamian city with a name like a fairy-tale country transforms its main square to ‘Christmas in Candyland,’ complete with snow-making machines each December. Attractions include snow tubing, outdoor ice-skating, play cottages, light shows, mini-train rides, an inflatable ‘Arctic’ maze, music, hot chocolate, and of course, visits with Santa.”

Even with some inclement weather, two weeks into the month-long celebration, Candyland has already hosted countless happy children and been the backdrop for at least one marriage proposal. And this weekend, there will be more magic.

Beginning this Sunday, High Horse Farms will offer carriage rides on Sunday afternoons.

“We’ve wanted to have carriage rides for a long time, and just located this company,” Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Chrissie Duffy said.

Carriage rides will be available from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Passengers may ride from Springdale to Milky Moo’s, or from Milky Moo’s to Springdale, or just make the round trip, Duffy said. Rides are $5 per person.