My almost 9 year old grandson, Evan, and I attended the Pumpkins on Pikes event at Tara Firma Farms in Petaluma. It is the third year this wonderful local sustainable farm, owned and operated by Tara Smith and family, has hosted this fun family event. 

Many families gathered to share food, pumpkin carving and celebrate the fall season. The event centers around carving pumpkins to place on more than a hundred, 3 to 6-foot pikes placed all throughout the cornfield, gardens and up the hill. Pumpkins are provided and tables are set up for the pumpkin carving.  Kids chose from pumpkins of all sizes and colors.  

Before Evan started carving his pumpkin, we visited the baby chicks and then the piglets that were born just two days earlier. We both loved the baby pigs, and we oohed, ahhed and laughed as they nursed, rutted and happily pranced around with little ears and tails jiggling.  Evan was heard saying, “They are so cute…look at that one…aahhhh, I want one…can we buy one…I’ve always wanted a pig as a pet…”

After eating from the large tables filled with potluck dishes, Evan chose his pumpkin and began to create his jack-o-lantern. He really liked removing the insides and said, “This is fun… It feels so good when you’re taking the stuff out… Can we take home the seeds?” We then put the seeds in a plastic bag to take home and roast. Then he focused on cutting out eyes and a mouth and was excited to add his jack-o-lantern to the many already displayed.   

Energy and creativity abounded as tables were filled with children and adults creating masterpieces. There were traditional jack-o-lanterns of all sizes and shapes, and ones with butterflies, cats, swirls, hearts, and more. When all the pikes were filled, pumpkins were then placed on walkways, ledges and fence posts. And as if magically, at dusk they all were lit and when darkness approached, hundreds of jack-o-lanterns appeared as if they were floating like Halloween spirits. 

Evan loved the event. He enjoyed choosing from the extensive buffet of foods for dinner, choosing just the right pumpkin for carving and the accomplishment of seeing his jack-o-lantern lit amongst the hundreds of others. 

As Evan and I walked through the darkness of the fields, we admired all the original designs on the hundreds of jack-o-lanterns. We appreciated the night sky filled with stars and felt a new connection filled with love and expansion, that came from sharing this magical experience together. 

Finally, a large bonfire was lit and many gathered to roast marshmallows, sing songs and meet new friends. There was a warm sense of community, joy and accomplishment as the orange glow of the jack-o-lanterns filled the darkness and celebrated the moment. 

And, all because Tara Smith had a vision… “Grow the mind to grow the soil to grow the food that strengthens the community.”

Until next Wednesday, remember, it’s all “for the love of kids…”

In joy, Marilyn

To find out more about Tara Firma Farms, you are welcome to visit the farm and take a free tour.  Details at the website: Tara Firma Farms