Pumpkin Festival is the biggest event of the year.
Mortimer Farms has 54 vegetables and fruits growing at various times of the year. Mortimer also has an area where visitors can pick their own. In addition, Mortimer has a greenhouse for growing fruits and vegetables all year. Cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower are plentiful in October.
All of the events are for people of all ages.
Marketing Director Ashley Mortimer says the Pumpkin Festival is their most popular event of the year. Visitors get to see a working farm and there are extended events and outside vendors during the weekends.
“There is a lot to do, and this is a time for adults to act like kids. We’re family-friendly. That’s what we’re all about,” she said, adding that she enjoys seeing people pick the fruits and vegetables off the vine.
“The closer it is to the vine, the more it amplifies the taste and it makes it more personal,” she said. “It helps guests connect with food. A lot of our ingredients are grown on the farm.”
Kids also love the farm animals that include chickens, cows, horses, donkeys and goats. A scenic pond is home to ducks and turtles.
“We provide the setting to help people connect with farm animals,” she said.
On Friday nights, there are barn dances. Weekend evening activities include a fire dancing show, lumberjacks racing with logs, and highfliers in a motocross demonstration.
All rides and shows are included in the admission price.
The Mortimer Farms Market and Deli is a popular stop, with the farm club sandwich being a local favorite. Some customers buy the cucumber relish that comes on it.
“The relish is so good, with tomatoes and onions in it,” she said.
Mortimer leased the land in 2010 and was able purchase it in 2020.
Her dad, Gary, owned Mortimer’s Nursery and a cattle ranch. Today, Ashley and her parents (Sharla and Gary) all work the farm, ranch and nursery together, with the ranch providing the beef and pork that is sold at the farm.
“We all partner with Mother Nature,” she said.
Mortimer Farms is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day, with extended hours on weekend nights.
Mortimer also hosts weddings and corporate parties. QCBN
By Stan Bindell, QCBN
Photo by Stan Bindell: Ashley Mortimer says the Pumpkin Festival is their most popular event with activates for all ages. “There is a lot to do and this is a time for adults to act like kids! she says.
