Bloom Where You're Planted Farm

A pretty snow is falling this afternoon and we're looking to get 2-4 inches out of this latest bit of winter weather.  We try to make good use of this down time, when it is impossible to get outside and start the physical preparations for our 2011 Pumpkin Festival -- planting, weeding, building, cleaning... 

Now is the time for aspiring, planning, and promoting.  Last week I updated our listings on a few websites and registered for a couple new promotional tools including Google Places.  I don't know how much of a difference these types of things make to our visibility, but I figure the more places you pop up on the Internet, the better, right? 

I really should be working on filing our 2010 sales tax, but instead I spent the day on the computer again, researching trade organizations and agritourism-related seminars.  We're always looking for ways to expand our horizons, learn from others, and be inspired.  We're thinking about going to St. Louis in March to the Halloween, Costume & Party show and Halloween and Attractions show.  We don't typically do a lot of "Halloween-y" activities but instead focus more on the "farm-y"/agricultural side of the fall season.  But, this might shake us up a little and maybe some good ideas will fall out! 

Well, I'll head back to those sales tax receipts now...  Until next time, stay warm!

We approach this last weekend of our pumpkin season with mixed emotions.  We are excited for Halloween and the Goblin's Egg Hunt on Saturday.  It should be a fun day!  And, after Sunday's "Stock Up Sale", we are looking forward to a little break and some much-needed rest after the whirlwind months of August, September and October. 

But, I get a little melancholy when I think about packing up the gift shop for another year, shutting down the cafe, putting away all the outdoor activities and clearing out the pumpkin barn.  It seems like this season has gone especially fast  -- I guess its true that the older you get, the faster time flies!  We have had so many wonderful folks visit, both new friends and loyal long-time supporters.  We will especially miss all their friendly faces.

But, enough gloominess -- we still have one more fun-filled weekend to plan for!  This will be our first season with Halloween falling on a Saturday.  At 10:15 a.m. sharp we'll start our second-annual Goblin's Egg Hunt.  Children ages 12 & under can bring their sacks, Easter baskets or Trick-or-Treat bags and hunt for the hundreds of colorful Goblin's Egg gourds we'll have hidden around the farm.  There will be separate hunts for ages 1-5 and 6-12.  Be there early so you don't miss any of the fun!  In addition, we'll be giving special Trick-or-Treat goodie bags all day to all children who come in costume!

Sunday is our "Stock Up Sale."  Fill one of our Radio Flyer wagons with all the pumpkins and squash it can hold for just $10.00!  Gourds will be half-price, and there will be great sales in the gift shop on food mixes, jams & jellies, salad dressing, popcorn, Christmas merchandise, clearance fall merchandise, and more!

We hope to see you this weekend at the farm!  Happy Haunting!