SANTA PAULA, CALIFORNIA, USA -- Pumpkin season is fast approaching, and historic Faulkner Farm is ready to open its gates during October to provide a month-long celebration of its own special brand of country fun and Halloween magic.

Located in the heart of Ventura County's Heritage Valley, Faulkner Farm at the Hansen Agricultural Learning Center is surrounded by miles of citrus groves, well-tended farmland and majestic mountains.

The Faulkner Farm Pumpkin Patch features acres of pumpkins, a giant sunflower forest, scenic hayrides, farm animals, and haystacks to sit and climb. New this year is a children's play area and designated photo spots to capture that ideal picture.

Visitors can enjoy demonstrations by blacksmiths, woodcarvers and quilters, an antique tractor show, crafts show, handweaving, and much more. Live bands perform Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. including the popular sounds of Nuestro (salsa band), Acadiana (Cajun music), Steve Hill Band, and the Harris Family Band.

Tasty food such as Laird's Tri-Tip Barbecue and Roasted Corn, Me Gusta Gourmet Tamales and old-fashioned Kettle Korn will be available for purchase.

Faulkner Farms is located at the Hansen Agricultural Learning Center, 14292 W. Telegraph Road in Santa Paula, just off Highway 126 at Briggs Road. For more information, call 805/525-2226, or visit the website at: www.faulknerfarm.com.