Families flocked to Six Acre Homestead north of Kitscoty on Sept. 27 to celebrate fall at the annual Pumpkin Fest.
The event drew hundreds of people for a day centred around community and family and featured more than 3,000 pumpkins in addition to games, activities and vendors offering food and crafts.
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Co-owner Ryley Gilbertson said the festival has grown from a small idea into a yearly tradition.
“We can grow the pumpkins, but everybody shows up. That’s what it’s all about,” he said.
Gilbertson and his wife, Amanda, started planting pumpkins a few years ago and quickly realized there was more demand than originally expected. That led to Pumpkin Fest, which now attracts families from across the region.
This year, visitors could try bowling with squash, a tic-tack-toe game using pumpkins and peruse the flower-picking area in addition to choosing their own pumpkins and gourds.
Gilbertson credited community support for making the event possible, noting the work of volunteers, service groups and local businesses. He said the festival has become more than just a farm event, describing it as a way to give back while creating a place for families to connect.
“It’s about fun, gratitude and community spirit,” he said, noting they plan to continue building on the festival as long as people continue to show up.
“We started with a few pumpkins and a small idea,” he said. “Now it’s a day that brings everybody together. That’s something we’re thankful for.”
Dan Gray – Meridian Source
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