It’s that time of year: Aloun Farms’ pumpkin festival returns with cobs, gourd and more
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - It’s spooky season and you know what that means — ghosts, goblins and gourd! But if you’re not into the scary stuff and just want to stick to some family-friendly fun, Aloun Farms lots of festivities in store.
Aloun Farms’ 22nd Pumpkin Festival kicks off this weekend and will take place the last three weekends of October.
Here’s everything you need to know:
What can I expect?
Family-friendly activities will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. including local entertainment, craft and food vendors, keiki rides, a petting zoo and tractor hayrides.
And of course, families can pick their own corn, string beans and pumpkins up to 100 pounds straight from the vine.
Purchase some signature Ewa Sweet onions, eggplant, ginger, zucchini and decorating supplies from Aloun Farms’ Ewa Sweet Market.
Happening only on Sunday, Oct. 13, University of Hawaii Rainbow wahine student athletes will be holding a meet-and-greet at Aloun Farms.
What’s new?
This year, Aloun Farms partnered with Southwest Airlines to giveaway up to 20 roundtrip tickets to any of their destinations, up to $400 in value. Both festival-goers and pumpkin-carving contest participants, 18 years and over will be eligible to win.
Details will be announced on Aloun Farms’ social media platforms throughout the month of October.
Can I bring my pet?
According to Aloun Farms, yes! There are stations for your furry friends. Pets are welcomed on festival grounds but they are not allowed in non-food production areas like sunflowers and ornamental fields.
How much does it cost?
Entry to the pumpkin festival is $5 per person for those ages two years and older. Parking and hayrides are free.
Food, drinks and other festival activities including rides, the petting zoo, other activities and vegetable harvesting are available at additional costs.
What else is going on this October at Aloun Farms?
Reservations are open for educational tours for schools and other large groups.
Starting Oct. 15 through Oct. 25, up to four tours will be available per day — Tuesdays through Fridays at 8:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.
The 1.5-hour tour includes a 10-minute presentation about the importance of sustainable agriculture, a pumpkin harvest activity, hayride and photo opportunities throughout the farm, and a recyclable bag, small pumpkin and educational booklet.
The cost for the tour is $15 per person.
Click here to make a reservation.
Giving back to the community
Aloun Farms’ Annual Pumpkin Festival welcomes around 60,000 attendees over three weekends, and approximately 15,000 students and families total for its educational tours.
Every year, a portion of proceeds from the fall festivities benefits local community non-profit organizations and schools. This year, event proceeds will go to Kapolei High School and Waipahu High School sports teams and clubs.
“As the longest-running pumpkin festival in the islands, we’re so grateful to sponsors like DR Horton Hawaii and Meadow Gold Hawaii for allowing us to continue to put on this muchanticipated community event every year,” said Alec Sou, Aloun Farms president and general manager. “Our goal is to promote sustainable agriculture and support local, which also means uplifting and giving back to the community.”
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