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For the 13th year Pumpkins & Ponies

Coming to SpringVale Farm near Humboldt

-Messenger file photo
A crowd watches as Jadan Castorena, of Hampton, moves into position for a stunt on the back of Jack, one of the Dragonfire Dancing Horses, during a past performance at the annual Pumpkins & Ponies event at SpringVale Farms near Humboldt.

HUMBOLDT — A fun-filled festival will be returning to Humboldt this weekend bigger than its ever been with the addition of a second day.

Pumpkins & Ponies will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at SpringVale Farm, 2603 Lone Tree Road, Humboldt.

Lonnie Larson, who owns the farm along with her husband, Bob Larson, said this is the first time Pumpkins and Ponies has been extended into Sunday.

“A church service will begin the day starting at 11:30 and will provide a message from Pastor Scott Meier, and music provided by the Golden Gospel Five Band,” Lonnie Larson said.

The events are all open to the public.

Following the service, a meal will be provided while food is available.

“The afternoon will continue with pony rides, wagon rides to the pumpkin patch, stagecoach rides,” Larson said. “Entertainment will continue on Sunday with performances by the Golden Gospel Five Band and the Dragon Fire Dancing Horses will again perform.”

The Dragon Fire Dancing Horses will also be performing on Saturday. Larson said they will be returning “by popular demand.”

The performance will include a dancing trick horse as well as a costumed horse show, trick riding routine and patriotic drills.

Also returning is the Mile High Stage Coach Co., from West Salem, Wisconsin.

Larson said D.W. Koss will be providing rides in his authentic 1893 stagecoach, which will be pulled by a hitch of blue roan horses.

And one of the hallmark events of Pumpkins and Ponies will be returning as well; horse and pony rides.

“The pony rides are always bustling with activity,” Larson said.

Rides will be given throughout the day.

Also at Pumpkins and Ponies will be the Des Moines River Valley Antique Tractor and Small Engine Club. Larson said they will be putting on a plowing contest to show how plowing was done in the “good old days.”

Tractors will also be used to transport visitors to the pumpkin patch, where they are welcome to pick out their pumpkins.

There will also be a corn shelling demonstration, live animals on display, games for kids and food and snacks available during both days.

The Nedd Freeley Funn Band will also be performing throughout the day Saturday.

A variety of vendors will be present as well.

Pumpkins and Ponies is free.

Larson said her favorite part of the festival is “watching folks enjoying a time of fellowship, spending a relaxed time together and having fun.”

She said guests have given positive feedback to Pumpkins and Ponies. In fact, one year, Larson said they heard a 7-year-old girl tell her grandfather, “Grandpa, this is the best day of my whole life!”

Parking will be available in large, easy access areas, with shuttle service available to take items to vehicles. There is no charge for parking.

Larson also said a big part of Pumpkins and Ponies’ success are the volunteers.

“Hats off to the many friends, neighbors and family members who share their time and talents making sure everything runs smoothly,” she said. “We appreciate them beyond words.”

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