Bradenton's Collier Moore, 3, had a jam-packed day a the 34th annual Pumpkin Festival at Hunsader Farms Oct. 11.
From jumping in the bounce houses to visiting the petting zoo, he was kept busy along with his brother, Dylan, his parents Katie and Kyle Moore, and his grandfather, Michael Moore.
"My favorite part was getting my face painted like Jack Skellington (The Pumpkin King skeleton in "The Nightmare Before Christmas) and riding the camel that went bump ... bump ... bump," Collier Moore said.
"We love they are finally old enough to enjoy a lot of the things the festival offers while still being young enough to get in for free," (which is under 5 years old) Katie Moore said. "That was a nice perk. The weather was perfect. We look forward to going annually."
Bradenton’s Averie Lavoie celebrated turning 7 at the festival.
Jeff Lavoie, Averie's father, said the atmosphere was friendly and fun and recommends the festival to anyone looking for a fun day out with the family.
"She thought it was fun to go on her birthday because it was her 'yes day,'" said Jeff Lavoie, Averie's father. "If she wanted to do something or buy something, and it was reasonable, we had to say yes."
Bradenton's Alicia Amaya attended the festival with her two sons Raul Amaya, 10, and Xavier Amaya, 6. The boys especially enjoyed the pumpkin cannon. Raul likes the white pumpkins and Xavier likes the large orange ones.
Alicia Amaya said her family has attended every year for the last eight years.
"The festival is such a fun tradition for our family," Amaya said. "We love the hayride, the beautiful farm scenery, and especially getting to pick our own pumpkins. It feels good to support a local farm while making memories with the kids."
The festival takes place for three weekends: Oct 11-12, 18-19 and 25-26.
Sarasota's Ariana Swayka, 4 and Alexia Swayka, 6 are in the full holiday spirit with their Halloween themed shirts and face paint.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Bradenton’s Collier Moore, 3, came to the festival for the first time and got to get his face painted and try funnel cake.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Bradenton's Ray Ramirez, 6, says being pulled by a tractor while sitting in a cow was both weird and fun.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Emmi Sue, 4, runs through the hay maze at the Pumpkin Festival at Hunsader Farms on Oct. 11.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Stuart's Karlo Ochoa pushes Okeechobee's Skylar Banville, both 13, through the race track.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Lakewood Ranch's Josie Hillier, 2, slides down an inflatable slide at the Pumpkin Festival at Hunsader Farms on Oct. 11.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Strangers just moments before, Punta Gorda's Dalphia Morgan, 6 and Parrish's Brynley Brown, 2, share a dance to the tunes of Bob and Tom.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Myakka City's Thomas O’Quinn, 7, says his candy apple tastes perfect.
Photo by Madison Bierl
The Jumping Pillow was a popular stop for children during the 34th Annual Pumpkin Festival at Hunsader Farms on Oct. 11.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Bradenton brothers Raul Amaya, 10 and Xavier Amaya, 6, say the slides, bouncy houses and pumpkin cannon made for a day full of fun.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Cape Coral's Koda Randoll, 7 and Heather Martinez couldn't leave the festival without popcorn to go.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Palmetto's Malcolm Riti, 5, thanks the miniature horse for letting him pet him.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Palmetto's Isaiah Pyne, 9, needs a break after an eventful day at the Pumpkin Festival.
Photo by Madison Bierl
North Port's Alan Aguilar, 2, is a big time animal lover and couldn't resist petting a goat.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Lakewood Ranch's Josie Hillier, 2, "flies" into a bounce house with the help of her dad Shawn Hillier.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Bruce Sarafian performs with a variety of dangerous items including fire, blades, a unicycle and more.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Carter snell, Aubrey Snell, Joni Palmer and Averie Lavoie raise two hands in the air in order to volunteer to be part of Bruce Sarafian's show.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Parrish's Niva Zalavadiya, 3, rides a pony at the Pumpkin Festival at Hunsader Farms on Oct. 11.
Photo by Madison Bierl
Lynn the Mime cruises around Hunsader Farms at the Pumpkin Festival on Oct. 11.
Photo by Madison Bierl
St. Petersburg's Kelly Jin, 3, dresses as Belle from "Beauty and the Beast" for the festivities.
Madison Bierl is the education and community reporter for the East County Observer. She grew up in Iowa and studied at the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication at Iowa State University.
