Opening of Hunsader Pumpkin Festival goes off without a hitch

It was hard to narrow down where to go first.

The pumpkin patch? The Snooty tribute corn maze? The petting zoo with deer and a kangaroo? Or what about that booth that has fried veggies?

Around every corner of the Hunsader Farms 26th annual Pumpkin Festival, there was something eye-catching and delightful to spot. The opening of Manatee County’s unofficial start to autumn was, well, the autumn part.

For the thousands upon thousands who drove out to County Road 675 Saturday, it was a Saturday well spent.

Sean Pequigney, his wife, Candace, and their son, Mason, traveled from Fort Myers for the big day. They had been to the festival once before six years ago.

First on their list was taking a trip through the corn maze, which they said took about 10 minutes.

“It was kind of fun to get lost,” Candace Pequigney said.

The Walkers were familiar with Hunsader Farm, having been to its festival three times.

Nicholas, 11, said his favorite part were the shows with bikes and stunts, like the American Wall of Death Motordome, where motorcyclists ride around horizontally in a huge cylinder contraption.

By the end of the day, the family said they would pick out pumpkins to take home.

Theresa Jenkins plopped her 2-year-old son Lucas in her lap for a mini photo shoot in front of the pumpkins, with the help of longtime friend and temporary photographer Lacey Drenth.

“We’re trying to, anyway,” Jenkins said, as Lucas had a firm grasp on his pouch of banana yogurt. “He has other plans.”

Jenkins has never been to the festival, but heard about it through Facebook. So she, Drenth and little Lucas drove down from Tampa to the middle of Manatee County to see what all the hubbub was.

Having gotten there when it opened, Jenkins said they had gone on a hay ride, rode on ponies, saw scarecrows and indulged in some fair food, including fresh lemonade and mini doughnuts.

“It was worth it,” Jenkins said. “We’re having a good time.”

The festival continues Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 5500 County Road 675. The cost of entry for children 12 and under is free, and $10 for everyone else. Parking is $5. More information can be found at www.hunsaderfarms.com.

This story was originally published October 14, 2017 at 4:44 PM with the headline "Opening of Hunsader Pumpkin Festival goes off without a hitch."