Canton Farm Opens For Festival Months After Deadly Tornadoes

CANTON, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) - It's opening day at an East Texas fall attraction that was heavily damaged five months ago from a deadly tornado outbreak.

There's still evidence of the tornado's damage in Canton, Texas, like signs folded from the strong winds, but the owner of Yesterland Farm says they're back - bigger and better.

Yesterland Farm had about $250,000 worth of damage after tornadoes ravaged through Van Zandt County in April. Carnival rides were crushed and a building even ended up in a tree.

"We restored about eight buildings that were very heavily damaged from the storm," said owner Kama Bozeman.

The April 29 tornado gave the owners a chance to make improvements and new additions.

Families showed up Saturday to enjoy the rides and take in over 30 other attractions.

"It looks great! You wouldn't even know a tornado came through here," said Shannen Miller, who attended the festival.

The owners say it took a summer of hard work to rebuild the area.

"Total strangers, family and friends showed up. 30 people were here the next day. A total stranger from Tyler showed up with a tractor!" said Bozeman.

From rides to pumpkin-picking, ponies and pig racing, there's something for the whole family.

"There are so few places like this where you can get away from all the tall buildings and busy streets and just kind of be with nature," said attendee Michelle Reid.

Yesterland Farm added two new rides and other attractions. The owner says all repairs have been completed, and insurance paid for some of the repairs.

The festival will be held through November 5. For information on tickets and the schedule of events, click here.