South Buffalo's Renshaw Farms Pumpkin Fest begins its 7th year

A pumpkin paradise awaits in South Buffalo Township.

More than 12,000 pumpkins are ready for harvest at Renshaw Farms as the 7th annual Pumpkin Fest kicks off fall harvest season Sept. 26. Pumpkin Fest operates on weekends through October.

Renshaw Farms was established in 1834 in South Buffalo Township and is owned and operated by sixth-generation Renshaws. Andrew Jackson was president when Renshaw Farm was in its humble beginnings.

Rolling hills, green meadows and fall foliage will welcome visitors of all ages to the 289-acre working, thriving farm on which grass-fed Black Angus cattle, hay, corn and, of course, pumpkins, are raised.

“Pumpkin Fest lets the entire family experience farm life in a day,” says Jason Renshaw, owner-operator. “This event is about bringing families together during the most beautiful time of the year — fall.”

New this year is a “corn beach” area where children can frolic. The John Deere tractor-hayride route has been altered and will meander through the corn fields, providing a more scenic and rural experience.

Take a wagon ride and find the perfect pumpkin as you roam the six-acre pumpkin patch. Pumpkins sell for $10 or less.

Each year, Renshaw adds improvements with his customers' interests and convenience in mind.

“We have also added ramps to assist our guests in getting on and off the rides more smoothly,” he says. “We have several senior homes that like to come out and visit.”

The animals usually beat out the pumpkins in popularity at Pumpkin Fest.

“Your heart will be tugged with our baby pigs, horses, miniature donkeys and goats,” Renshaw says. “Our goats always put on a show, beg for attention and love to have treats that will be available for feeding them.”

One of the most popular animal displays isn't a live animal. A cow demo is available for guests to try their hand at milking.

“I started Pumpkin Fest seven years ago, and seeing the smiles on the kids' faces, that makes it all worth it,” Renshaw says.

The South Buffalo Fire Department will have several fire trucks on display.

Renshaw provides a cornucopia of activities such as a corn-hay maze, pumpkin patch, hayrides, animal park, corn cannon, bounce house and hay mountain.

With a main farm building serving as pumpkin headquarters, activities such as face-painting, food-noshing and visiting the pond ducks are sure to keep little ones entertained.

“We grill Angus burgers and hot dogs from our farm,” Renshaw says. “They are grass-fed, with very little fat, and delicious. We offer homemade apple dumplings with ice cream for dessert.”

Joyce Hanz is a contributing writer for Trib Total Media.