Annual Pumpkin Festival Joins Forces with Arizona Fish and Game for Family Event

Award winning pumpkins from Freeman Farms, photo credit: http://www.azpumpkins.com

Arizona Game and Fish Commissioner Norm Freeman, as part of his annual Pumpkin Festival has opened his farm in Chino Valley to host a free Arizona Game and Fish Department educational day on Saturday, Oct. 1. 

The event will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Freeman Farms, 1096 E. Road 3 South, Chino Valley, Ariz. (north of Prescott). Families are invited to come and learn more about outdoor opportunities in Arizona and how to get involved.

The department’s Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center will have some live wildlife on display and will provide an opportunity to learn about the natural history of wildlife native to Arizona.

Learn proper archery techniques and safety while having fun shooting bulls eye and 3D targets. Certified instructors will be on hand to answer your questions and guide you through the experience. Participants must be 8 years of age or older.

Tour the off-highway vehicle (OHV) learning center trailer, touch helmets that have been crash tested, and learn why wearing one is important. Learn more about the OHV Decal program and how those dollars are working for you. And get more information about the new OHV online education program available through the Game and Fish Department website.

The Hunter Education staff and volunteer instructors will be providing the opportunity to learn basic firearms safety skills while learning to shoot an air-rifle. Participants must be 9 years of age or older. Information will be provided on upcoming Hunter Education courses.

Head out to the ponds and learn about boating safety, and get some hands-on, boat-in-water canoeing or kayaking experience.

Parking, pumpkin patch admission, horse presentations and the Game and Fish educational event are FREE on Oct. 1.

There are other activities available for a fee. A hay ride, mini-corn maze, and petting zoo are available for $3 each for adults and children alike. Proceeds are used to offset operational costs associated with the event.

Directions to the farm: From I-40, go south on Highway 89 from Ash Fork to Chino Valley.  Continue through town to Road 3 South. Turn left on Road 3 South to Freeman Farms.

From I-17, exit on Highway 69 to Prescott. Continue through Dewey. Turn right on Fain Road (will turn into 89A) and stay on it until you reach Highway 89. Turn right and continue into Chino Valley. Look for Road 3 South (and signs). Turn right on Road 3 South to Freeman Farms.

For more information go to: www.azpumpkins.com/index.htm