Things to Do: Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival
Since 1992 an annual pumpkin festival has been held less than a two-hour drive north of Bonita Springs. Somehow I had never heard of it. Then my son invited me to join his family for what I thought was a simple trip to buy pumpkins. Little did I realize we were visiting far more than a pumpkin patch.
Hunsader Farms is about 1,000 acres of farmland in east Manatee County, just east of Bradenton. It is a working farm that is also well known for its u-pick fields and farm market. They grow and sell watermelons, tomatoes, cantaloupes, pumpkins and squash. What began as a family farm in 1967 now hosts a family-friendly pumpkin festival every October. Since 1992 the festival has kept adding new features and attractions until it grew into quite an extravaganza. Still, it keeps the charm and feel of the county fairs I remember from growing up in Ohio. If the weather were a little more brisk, you'd swear you were up north.
Tens of thousands of visitors come every weekend, some from hundreds of miles away. Families who came as kids now bring their own children, carrying on a wholesome tradition. When you go, plan on a few hours, if not the full day. Besides pumpkins to take home, the day we went offered nearly constant live music and activities ranging from car shows and a petting zoo to monster truck demonstrations and several kinds of stunt shows.
The full list of entertainment, novelties and attractions is far too long to cover here. I can promise there is something for everyone. I was most surprised by the massive, one-of-a-kind pumpkin cannon. Kids and grownups alike stood in awe, ears covered, waiting for the air pressure to build and launch a pumpkin a couple thousand feet across the farm. My grandson Aiden loved the dirt-ramping, car-crushing monster truck show. The driver even held a meet and greet afterward, which completely made his day.
Naturally, with a farm and fair atmosphere there were plenty of food options, both healthy and carnival style, from ice-cold watermelon to deep-fried Oreos. I skipped right past the fresh sweet corn and went straight for a classic powdered-sugar funnel cake, which I carried with me through the craft fair. The craft booths were outstanding, with everything from homemade jams, children's clothing and toys to live orchids.
We're already talking about our next trip. This time we vow to make time for the hayride and the Family Feud-style stage game show. Hope to see you there!
Plan Your Visit
Hunsader Farms is at 5500 County Road 675, Bradenton, FL 34211. Farm market phone: 941-322-2168. The pumpkin festival runs on weekends in October. Admission and parking are cash only, so stop at the ATM before you head north. For this year's dates, prices and entertainment lineup, visit the Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival page.
Happy Trails and Pumpkin Festivals!
This story was originally written for Southwest Florida Spotlight Magazines.