Hundreds of visitors enjoyed the first day of Hunsader Farms’ 25th annual Pumpkin Festival this weekend.
By
Berkley Mason
| 10:00 a.m. October 16, 2016
East County
News
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Pumpkins might have been the stars of the show, but those who attended the opening day of the 25th annual Hunsader Pumpkin Festival Oct. 15 had lots of other reasons to attend.
Hundreds of patrons enjoyed the many food trucks sitting in front of the barns and tents scattered throughout the property. Kids ran to their parents to show off their freshly painted faces and everyone checked out more than 75 booths featuring crafts and entertainment.
Blacksmith Paul Esterline loves setting up his shop at the Pumpkin Festival and now drives all the way from Manchester, Ga., to do it.
"I've been doing this show for 24 years now," Esterline said. "I used to live here, and then I moved 10 years ago to Manchester, but this festival is so good that I still come here every year."
The festival continues Oct. 22-23 and Oct. 29-30.
Sarasota's Jule Shirley, 1, enjoys a wave of fun at the festival.
Paul Esterline of Manchester, Ga., sparked the entertainment by showing his blacksmith skills.
What would a festival be without face painting. Wesley Chapel 6-year-old Avery Fife shows off her art.
Largo's Tylie Uppinghouse, 1, is dressed for the occasion.
Tampa's Eric Tucker makes sure Venice 4-year-old Allen Lauterbach is safe to begin a bungee jump.
Those who attended the festival were able to horse around.
Jacksonville's Henry Towner, 50, prepares kettle corn.
Three-year-old Olivia Doidge, of Wesley Chapel, found a good spot to dance in the amphitheatre.
Parrish 4-year-old Lily Spaulding didn't pass on the opportunity to have fun throwing a basketball.
A corny display of husks sat in a basket at the festival.
Odessa's Daniel Lawrence, 10, jumps for joy on a trampoline.
Valrico 3-year-old Jack Springer wants the whole world to see the doughnut he is enjoying.
Parrish's Aaron Davis, 14, and his dad, Josh Davis, picked some perfect pumpkins.
Ruskin 6-year-old Kylie Gaston and 2-year-old Sadie Gaston sport some dynamic shades.
