Pumpkins and fall go hand in hand
21st annual Pumpkins and Ponies festival returns to SpringVale Farm
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HUMBOLDT -- Fall is here again, which means it is time for SpringVale Farm's annual festival, Pumpkins and Ponies.
The two-day event is set for Oct. 10-11 at the farm, 2603 Lone Tree Road in Humboldt County.
Bob and Lonnie Larson purchased SpringVale Farm in 1990. This year is the 21st year the event has been held there. The first year they sold pumpkins and offered pony and wagon rides, but the celebration has grown exponentially since.
"We want this to be a time for families to come together and do something different, giving them a chance to escape for a moment from clocks, calendars, and screens," said Lonnie Larson.
There will be plenty of activities and games for kids and families to enjoy. Kids will get a chance to meet the animals at the petting zoo. There will also be face painting and caricatures, a plowing contest, wagon rides to the pumpkin patch, and, of course, pony rides.
"Several ponies are waiting to meet you at Pumpkins and Ponies," Lonnie Larson said.
The Dragonfire Dancing Horses will be joining the festival again this year. They are a mounted drill team from Hampton featuring costumed riders on 10 horses.
"They will perform during the opening ceremony as well as an afternoon performance," she said. "It is a really cute show."
Other entertainment for the weekend includes live music performances on both days. On Saturday, the Nedd Freely Funn Band will be playing popular tunes. Then on Sunday, Bad to the Bone will perform a variety of tunes, offering patriotic and gospel selections.
Along with all the activities and entertainment, there will be 25-plus vendors on-site offering a fun shopping experience.
"Guests can find a wide variety of treasures and diversity, from Native American artifacts to embroidery work," Lonnie Larson said. "There will be hand-woven rugs, farmers market produce, honey and jams, wood crafts, antiques, Mystery Meadow apparel, and much more."
There will be tasty food on the grounds for everyone's palate including meals and sandwiches, baked goods, pie, caramel apples, homemade ice cream, and a variety of snacks and beverages.
"We host Pumpkins and Ponies as a way to offer people an opportunity to enjoy a fun day in the country. It is about making memories with families," said Lonnie Larson. "It provides a different experience for family fun and a harvest of smiles."
This year the annual festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 10 and from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 11 at SpringVale Farm, 2603 Lone Tree Road.
Pumpkins and Ponies admission is free. Parking is free and a shuttle service will be provided for guests.
The Larsons ask that attendees sign their guest book when arriving.
"In 2025 we had attendees from 77 communities in Iowa and eight other states," Lonnie Larson said. "We are hoping to keep growing each year."