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By Ramona Frances

Alexander Cortes, 5, has fun petting the goat at First 5's Zoo to You birthday celebration Friday.

Photo by: Wendy Alexander

Five-year-old Mireya Lopez reaches to pet a bunny in the petting zoo at First 5's birthday bash.

Photo by: Wendy Alexander

Children lined up to ride ponies, play bingo, get face paint or pet farm animals in the parking lot of the Family Resource Center in celebration of its fifth year anniversary Friday. For many, riding a pony or touching a farm animal was a first time experience.

Four-year-old Kayla Her waited nervousy for her turn to ride a pony. When she finally moved up to first in line, she panicked and ran to the back of the line again, presumably to give herself time. The second time she waited, she mounted the pony. Asked if she was scared, she replied "No." Asked if she would do it again, she promptly said, "No," as well.

But 4-year-old Rayquawn Whitehead did not hesitate to try something new, never breaking a smile throughout the pony ride. When asked if he liked riding, he loudly said, "Yeah." The Friday ride was his first.

The company "My Pony Go Round' and company representatives, Greg Lewis and Megan Achin, provided animals and assistance for the event.

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Ramona Frances Ramona Frances is a staff columnist, writer and photographer for the Madera Tribune. You may contact Ramona at 674.8134 ext. 222 or by e-mail ramona (at) maderatribune.net The Madera Tribune online subscription To subscribe or log on, CLICK HERE. For more information first, CLICK HERE.