Farm Fest features FFA, pumpkins, food and music

A wagon brimming with pumpkins of all shapes and sizes sits on a small farm in Payson. Warm oranges and gold, the colors of the harvest and symbols of the season brighten the field. Big plans are in the works to promote agriculture and celebrate fall.

Kiersten, Eric, and Derek Dumas of Salem Hills High School have chosen to organize a 3-day pumpkin party as part of their National FFA Organization project. The family farm, located at 4058 W 9600 S, Payson, will be open to the public 15-17 October for the 3rd annual Country Farm Fest.

The Fest offers good, clean, fun for the entire family. Every day will feature arts and crafts, antique tractors, farmer's market, costume contests, Jack-o-lantern hay ride, face painting, petting zoo, children's activities, pumpkin carving, straw maze, food booths and open air entertainment.

As the sun sets, lively entertainment fills the air. Thursday: Jalon Watts, The Dalton Brothers, Holly Robins and local Cowboy Poet, Marion Manwill perform. Friday: tap your toes to the music by The Old Time Fiddlers or roast marshmallows and kick back to cowboy poetry by Marion Manwill. Saturday: Lillium, Jalon Watts and Hillbilly Antique Auction will finish out the event.

As part of the event, the 15-year old siblings invite everyone to participate in the Pumpkin Carving Contest. There will be prizes awarded in several categories including Cutest, Scariest (no gore, please), Most Original and Best Farm Theme. Contest entries will be accepted and displayed all three days of the festival. Each evening there will be hayrides to view the illuminated entries. Participants are welcome to bring their own or buy one and carve it at the Fest.

Volunteers from Mt. Nebo Jr. High and Salem Hills High Schools FFA programs will organize the contest and staff the pumpkin carving station, as well as judge the entries. Judging for the jack-o-lanterns will be held Saturday at 3 p.m. Don't miss Aaron Reimschiisel's pumpkin carving demonstration on Saturday between 1-3 p.m.

There will also be a Pumpkin Weigh-off on Saturday with prizes awarded for the largest and smallest-- even the middleweight gets a prize. Judging will be at 4 p.m. Costume Contests will be held and judged at 1 p.m. each day.

Farm Fest can be found at: 4058 W 9600 S Payson, UT. Directions: From Salt Lake City: Take I-15 South to Payson Exit 250. Turn right at light off ramp, cross the railroad tracks and make the next available left onto 9600 South. We are one mile down on the right.

From St. George: Take I-15 North to Payson Exit 250. Turn left from off-ramp, go under the overpass, cross the railroad tracks, and make the next available left onto 9600 South. We are one mile down on the right. Look for the large Victorian farmhouse and red barn.

Come join the fun and help them meet their goal of 101 carved pumpkins. Anyone could be a winner. For more information call 801.465.7695 or visit www.countryfarmfest.com.