By Valley Ag Voice Staff
As Halloween approaches, it’s time to start planning for haunted hayrides, pumpkin carving, and other festive celebrations. But while preparing for the season’s excitement, consider supporting local agriculture in the Central Valley.
PUMPKIN PICKIN’
Pumpkin patches are quintessential reminders that the holidays are near, and the Central Valley has plenty of options to choose from.
Whether you’re in the mood for tractor rides, corn mazes, or simply pick the biggest pumpkin for your front door, Murray Family Farms is the place to be. During the fall, a visit to the Big Red Barn offers several family-friendly activities.
This year’s corn maze is twice as big as the year prior and is shaped in familiar favorites Charlie Brown and Snoopy to celebrate 75 years of Peanuts. A tractor ride and farm tour, led by farmhands, will take visitors across the expansive family farm on its way to the corn maze.
The pumpkin patch holds over 50,000 pumpkins, and every admission ticket comes with a free pumpkin, according to Murray Family Farm’s website. The pumpkin patch is open every day in October and will remain open past sunset.
Banducci’s Family Pumpkin Patch also promises exciting activities this year with opening day on Oct. 1. The Kern County staple, which has been in operation for over 30 years, is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Along with its pumpkin patch, the farm will have a petting zoo and pony rides.
FARM-TO-TABLE
Bring the taste of fall to your Halloween parties by purchasing locally-grown produce such as apples, squash, and pumpkins.
Supporting local farmers through your purchases not only ensures you’re getting fresh, high-quality produce but also helps sustain the local agricultural community. Buying local produce not only adds quality and flavor to festive treats but also offers a way to support the Central Valley’s agricultural community.
Along with adding local produce to meals, colorful, locally grown pumpkins, gourds, and corn stalks make for festive fall decor.
