2012: Pumpkin Weekends throughout October at Blackberry Farm

AURORA – Blackberry Farm will celebrate the fall season throughout the month of October with its popular Pumpkin Weekends beginning Saturday, Oct.6.

Each weekend – and Columbus Day (Oct. 8) – Blackberry Farm will be festively decorated in the spirit of pumpkin season. A picnic area will feature an assortment of pumpkins for purchase, and a decorating station with painting supplies is provided.

Carousel rides, hay rides and tours on the “Pumpkin Train” also are part of each weekend’s festivities. Park hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily (9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Columbus Day). Admission is $4 per person.

An added attraction this fall is the opening of the new Adventure Playground, a uniquely innovative play area featuring an extensive network of climbing decks, slides, ropes and catwalk-style bridges connecting an array of playhouses on multiple levels

“We used to do a Fall Festival in October each year, and it was so popular and well-received that we decided to expand it to every weekend,” said Sandy Smith, facility supervisor at Blackberry Farm. “In the last few years, Pumpkin Weekends have become a favorite event for young families.”

Also, during the weekend of Oct. 13-14, the annual “Scarecrow Display” will be held, where visitors can view a variety of scarecrows that capture the autumn spirit and showcase the creativity of local Scout troops, school groups and individuals.

“This is such a fun time of year,” said Smith, “so we want to make the season last just a little longer.”

For more information on Pumpkin Weekends, call Blackberry Farm at 630-892-1550.