The Loma Vista Farm Harvest Festival drew families from across Vallejo, California, on October 7, 2023, offering a day filled with pumpkins, education, and community spirit. The annual event showcased farm animals while providing educational opportunities for local school field trips.
Children enthusiastically explored the pumpkin patch, participated in various activities, and enjoyed performances by a magician. Chelsea Wirt, attending with her 18-month-old daughter, Riley, echoed the excitement of many parents. “Pumpkins! Pumpkins!” she exclaimed, capturing the essence of the day.
Jennifer Shinar, the event’s chairperson, expressed her passion for the festival, which she has coordinated for over 15 years. “This is obviously one of our biggest events of the year,” Shinar stated. “I love seeing all the kids in costume as well as all of them playing in the pumpkin patch.” The festival’s success was evident, with Shinar anticipating attendance of around 600 to 700 visitors.
Community Engagement and Education
The festival also served as a platform to highlight new developments at the farm, including a newly constructed chicken barn and forthcoming pig pen and cow barn. Shinar emphasized the community’s role in maintaining the farm, noting, “Everything we do, all the upkeep comes based off of donations and the community. This isn’t meant to be a fundraiser, but we want to educate and inform them about what we do.”
Desiree Vicente, a former student of the school from 1994 to 1999, brought her children Gizelle and Soren to experience the festival. “I really used to like feeding the bunnies and shearing off the sheep’s skin,” Vicente reminisced. “But it’s nice to see the place still thriving. It’s a lot bigger than I remember it.” Her sentiments reflected the nostalgia many families felt as they returned to the farm.
Chelsea Wirt also shared her appreciation for the event, stating, “We have some neighbors that told us about it, and it’s a great, adorable event. As you can tell, my daughter loves pumpkins.”
A Seasonal Tradition
The Harvest Festival not only marks the arrival of fall but also fosters a sense of connection within the community. The atmosphere buzzed with laughter and excitement as families created lasting memories together. Children learned about where apple cider comes from through hands-on activities, reinforcing the festival’s educational mission.
As the day concluded, attendees left with pumpkins in hand and smiles on their faces, eagerly anticipating next year’s festivities. The Loma Vista Farm Harvest Festival continues to be a cherished tradition, bringing together families and reinforcing the importance of community engagement in nurturing local agriculture.
