by Ezabelle Janssen, Staff Writer
LONG BEACH (GG) — Talons, scales, and wonder took flight at Long Beach’s Harper McCaughan Town Green on Saturday, April 25th, as families flocked to see the Freedom Ranch Animal Show sponsored by First Baptist Church of Long Beach. The free, family-friendly event offered up-close encounters with birds of prey, slithering companions, and exotic rodents.
The show was full of personality. Hitch, the talking crow, named after “The Birds” star Alfred Hitchcock, strutted into the spotlight, flying and singing. Brave volunteers from the audience lined up to hold out mealworms, steadying their arms for close crow encounters, resulting in squeals and laughter.
Followed by Sherlock, the South American cavy, whose unique look charmed the crowd. Looking ahead, the wide-eyed owl commanded attention. Then came the unexpected tiny dancer, a black vulture pranced around to the eerie cheer of “The Addams Family” theme song. Finally, a turkey vulture stretched its wings into a dramatic display, each feather catching the light, provoking oohs and ahhs.
Behind the scenes is a mission rooted in community and faith.
“We love Long Beach. We love the people,” said Christian Eaton, church member and event coordinator. “We just believe that everybody deserves to have this.”
For Eaton and First Baptist Church, the goal is simple: to create spaces that families of all kinds can enjoy without hesitation.
“Families are struggling,” he said. “We’ve seen plenty of events where people charge money. Obviously, they have to do that, and that’s fine. We’re not complaining about them or anything like that, but we want to provide events throughout the year where people who are struggling with their finances can have joy just like the rest of us, so they don’t have to worry about having money for snacks and drinks, or paying to show their kids or just themselves. Adults love animals, too, you know? ”
That sense of generosity has kept Freedom Ranch returning year after year.
“This is actually, golly, I think this is like the eighth time that we’ve had Freedom Ranching. So we have them at our spring festival. I think we’re going to have them at our fall festival again, but we’ve had single shows with them about four or five times.”
Eaton recalled one particularly sweltering summer show where temperatures soared past 100 degrees, “During July, we had record-breaking heat, 105 degrees out here, but the amphitheater was packed out. We had people with ice bags on their heads. We had to kind of change the game plan a little bit, but people loved it.” He added, “They’re always great. The animals are rescues, and that makes it even more special. It really makes you want to support what they’re doing.”
When the final talon tapped, the stars took their rest, and the crowd fell silent as a prayer was offered. Guests were invited to linger, talk, and pray as tables nearby held Bibles and were ready for conversation. Each volunteer held a welcome smile, extending First Baptist Church of Long Beach’s message that what’s given freely can still carry great weight.
(Photos by Ezabelle Janssen/The Gazebo Gazette)
