As the name implies, the two-day festival offers a chance to pick a pumpkin and ride a pony. The U.S. Veterans Mounted Drill Team will perform. There will also be live music, vendors offering various products, and food.

“It’s a harvest of smiles,” said Lonnie Larson, whose family hosts Pumpkins and Ponies on its Springvale Farm in Humboldt County.

Pumpkins and Ponies will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 11 and 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 12 on the farm at 2603 Lone Tree Road in Humboldt County. Admission and parking are free.

“The hallmark of the day is the ride to the pumpkin patch,” Larson said.

-Messenger file photo
A group of children dance to the music of the Nedd Freeley Funn Band during the 19th Annual Pumpkins and Ponies at Springvale Farm near Humboldt.

The U.S. Veterans Mounted Drill Team is part of an initiative called Saddles After Service. That is an equestrian therapy program helping veterans and active service members find healing from PTSD, anxiety and other struggles that they face upon returning from war zones.

Live music will be performed by the Nedd Freeley Funn Band on Oct. 11 and Bad to the Bone on Oct.12.

About 20 vendors are expected for Pumpkins and Ponies. Food available at the event will include ribeye steak sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, chili dogs, caramel apples and all kinds of pies.

-Messenger file photo by Britt Kudla
Ava Eaton, then 9, of Fort Dodge, practices a few tricks during the 17th annual Pumpkins and Ponies festival near Humboldt.