By Kim McDarison 

“Family Day,” sponsored by Generac, was held Sunday, July 1, as part of Whitewater’s five-day Fourth of July Festival, which was held between Friday, June 30, and Tuesday, July 4.

Festival attendees arriving Sunday afternoon found a petting zoo, and pony and camel rides, all of which were provided to the public free of charge.

Animals were supplied by New Beginnings Ranch, which is owned by Gorgonio and Tabatha Cruz.

The petting zoo and animal-related rides were offered at Cravath Lakefront Park.

Those visiting the petting zoo were greeted by a cow, goats, sheep and alpacas, all of which were eager to make new friends and receive handfuls of treats.

Tabatha Cruz said this is the second year her company has supplied the animals for petting and rides to the Whitewater Fourth of July event.

The company brought approximately 20 animals, she said.

Along with four ponies, “Peanut” the camel was once again on hand to give rides.

According to Tabatha, the 7-year-old dromedary is owned by Shayne Rigden, who led Peanut during the rides.

While many of the animals living on Tabatha’’s New Beginnings Ranch, in Racine County, have come from circumstances which may have not been ideal, she said, that was not the case with Peanut.

Rescuing animals is a big part of what we do, she said.

Peanut came from a loving home, she said, adding that he goes home to see the woman who formerly owned him, referring to her as “mom,” about once a year.

She described camels as “very intelligent animals.”

Along with being led by a handler to offer rides to the public, Tabatha said Peanut also knows how to be ridden like a horse, using reins, and he can pull a carriage.

When not working, Peanut lives on Rigden Ranch, also in Racine County, which Tabatha described as a companion company formed by Rigden.

The two companies operate in tandem to provide the full animal experience, Tabatha said.

Photos from the event follow.