Smith Family Farms Pumpkin Harvest Open Daily Through Halloween

It’s the time of year where the breeze gets a little cooler, kids get serious about costumes and families continue the tradition of visiting pumpkin farms to celebrate Fall and Halloween.

A favorite East County tradition is visiting Smith Family Farms. Their Annual Pumpkin Harvest begins  October 4^th and is open every day through Halloween. The farm is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Smith Family Farms is a grassroots, earthy farm that celebrates the harvest season.

“Everything is farm related,” says Jan Smith, owner of Smith Family Farms. “This is a real farm and guests will see our crops and our harvest.” She adds, “It’s all about Earth.”

Activities include a hayride to the pumpkin patch where the whole family can pick their own pumpkin to take home, live music performances, educational displays, a corn maze, a replica Miwok Indian village, a barnyard animal area, a country store, and a picnic area. Kids can actually crack corn themselves to feed chickens. 

Each weekend the farm has different bands from bluegrass to The Devil Mountain Jazz Band (October 12^th and 13^th).  There will also be different activities for families each weekend. 

A favorite is the antique tractor show, which will be on October 12^th and 13^th.  Many families visit more than once during the month of October.

Admission is $8 on weekdays and $9 on weekends and admission includes a free pumpkin and all of the activities. Smith Family Farms only accepts cash and check as payments. The Smith family has four generations of family following a tradition of farming that stretches back over a century and across continents.

“We love the land and the community,” says Jan Smith.  “We appreciate people coming out and supporting what we do. Thousands of families have come to the farm to experience their unique, old-fashioned pumpkin harvest and to enjoy their on fruits and vegetables,

While the farm gets its name from the family that founded it, the families that come here year-round to enjoy quality produce and old-fashioned fun are equally as vital to the farm. Smith Family Farms is located at 4430 Sellers Avenue, in Brentwood.

For more information visit: http://jkdevera2.wix.com/smithfamilyfarm#!pumpkin-festival

 Dell’ Osso Family Farms
Another farm that is offering family fun is Dell’ Osso Family Farms. Dell’ Osso is having their 16^th Annual Pumpkin Maze beginning October 5^th and running through Halloween.  The farm is open daily from 10a.m. to 8p.m. The farm features a corn maze, haunted castle, pumpkin blasters, an aerial ropes course, zip lines and more. Dell’ Osso farms is located at 26 Steward Road in Lathrop.

For information on pricing visit:  http://www.pumpkinmaze.com/home.html.

Joan’s Farm and Pumpkin Patch
Joan’s Farm and Pumpkin Patch is another farm, located in Livermore, who is also joining in on Fall festivities. Their pumpkin patch is open October 1^st through Halloween; daily from 9a.m. to 6p.m. Joan’s Farm features a maze, Old West Town, hay rides, farm animals, gem painting, an antique museum, pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn, corn stalks, nuts, refreshments, and more. There is no admission or parking fee. The farm is located at 4351 Mines Road, in Livermore. Joan’s Farm accepts cash and checks only.

For more information visit:  http://www.joansfarm.com/.

Ardenwood’s Harvest Festival
Another fun event is Ardenwood’s Harvest Festival. Ardenwood Historic Farm is part of the East Bay Regional Park District. Their harvest festival is October 12^th and 13^th from 10a.m. to 5p.m. Guests can harvest Indian corn and popcorn and help fill corncribs. Take home a share of our colorful corn for your holiday table. Enjoy magic shows, cider pressing, old-time music and crafts. Visit the blacksmith, ride the train and tour the beautifully restored Patterson House. Please bring your own bags to take home your harvest. Entry fees: $10 adults, $8 seniors 62 & over, $6 children ages 4 – 17, free for children three and under. Free parking.

For more information visit:http://www.ebparks.org/activities/events/Harvest_Festival_-_2013_s_p1382?EventMode=View&EventOccurrence=1

The Annual Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival
If you’re willing to take a drive, The Annual Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival is October 19^th -20^th from 9a.m.to 5p.m. The world’s pumpkin capital celebrates the Great Gourd and takes place on Main Street, in Half Moon Bay.  This year marks the 43^rd year and the festival will showcase Volkswagen-sized pumpkins, remarkable pumpkin sculpting – referred to as the Picasso of pumpkin carving, artists, food – including the richest/creamiest/tastiest pumpkin pie, live music, a parade and more. 

For more information about the event visit: http://www.miramarevents.com/pumpkinfest/event-details/about-the-event.html.

There are plenty of choices both near and far for families to celebrate the Fall season!

Amy Schrader
Arts & Entertainment Editor
[email protected] or [email protected]

Note: Photo taken from Smith Family Farms Facebook Page