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Pumpkin Festival to be Held at Windmill Farms in Chino Valley

Written by Bruce Thomson

Friday, 21 September 2007

What's with the Scarecrows at Windmill Farms? Why, they're here to welcome the guests coming for the Pumpkin Festival.

As September marches steadily on and the dog days of summer give way to crisp autumn breezes, Quad city residents will all be asking themselves the same question: "Where am I going to get my pumpkin this year?" The annual ritual of bundling the kids into the mini-van and heading to Young's Farm is, of course, no longer an option.

Fortunately for us all, Windmill Farms in Chino Valley has stepped in to fill the void and the Pumpkin Festival could have no better home. If you've never been to Windmill Farms, then next month will be the perfect time to plan a visit. And if you have been there - perhaps for a Friday night Fish Fry or a Wednesday night Barbecue - then you are already aware of just what a showplace it is.

Nestled on 160 acres off of West Road 4 North scarcely a mile from Highway 89, Windmill Farms is a desert oasis with beautifully manicured lawns, gazebos, a wooden bridge over a manmade lake and specimen trees from the Windmill Nursery. It's also home to a beautiful banquet facility coveted by wedding planners and local High School Prom committees alike. And did I mention the windmill? The centerpiece of the grounds, it stands majestically in the middle of the lake.

This year's festival will be held every Saturday and Sunday in October from 9AM to 5PM starting on Saturday, October 6th and running through Sunday October 28th. Festival organizer Nancy Kaye has spared no expense to see that the innaugural festival at Windmill Farms will be one to remember. "We want to continue the tradition of providing families with a fun place to bring the kids, but we think we're also giving people a beautiful setting in which to enjoy the festivities," said Kaye. This year the price is user-friendly too. Except for a $2 charge to park the car, there will be no admission charge. "We want everyone to come on out, enjoy the fall weather in Chino Valley and take home a pumpkin or two along with some great memories," Kaye said.

One of the Scarecrows created by Nancy Kaye.

Some of the events for the kids during this year's festival will include pony rides, hay rides, face painting and several jumpers. There's even going to be a Barrel train ride around the lake. Of course there will be plenty of food including roasted corn, barbecue chicken, turkey legs, burgers, hot dogs, pizza, caramel apples, popcorn, snow cones & lemonade along with a variety of desserts. Adults will be able to kick back and enjoy a brew in the beer garden.

"Organizing an event like this has given me a great opportunity to interact with the people and businesses in Chino Valley," Kaye noted. And she has used that opportunity to put her own unique stamp on the event. Businesses that support the festival in whatever way they can have become "scarecrow sponsors" with their business name prominently displayed on one of the many scarecrows adorning the grounds. It's been a labor of love for Kaye who has crafted every scarecrow with her own hands. "It's been a lot of work, but it's work that I love to do" she said, ruefully looking at her calloused hands. Nancy hopes to expand the "Sponsor a Scarecrow" program in the coming years to involve more businesses and perhaps assist local charities as well.

Kaye points to her boss, business owner Brian Ingram, as the motivating force behind all her efforts. "He has motivated me and everyone else involved to go the extra mile for this event". Kaye said. "He inspires us."

So mark your calendars, clear a spot on the front stoop for your pumpkins and start a new tradition this year at Windmill Farms. For more information please call Windmill Farms at 928-636-1700.