FORT BENNING, GA - Through Oct. 31 visitors can pick out their future jack-o'-lanterns and pies at the pumpkin patch and check out the assortment of farm animals at Marengo's working sheep farm. This year, the family-friendly farm boasts a hayride, hay maze and shelled corn boxes for children to play in.
"Marengo Creek offers a family farm experience," said Stewart Harvard, a self-described "agri-entertainer."
Harvard and his wife, Candy, began offering autumn activities at the farm eight years ago.
"A lot of kids have never seen farm animals before so it's fun for them to come here and stay the whole day," Stewart said.
Among the animals at the farm are turkeys, chickens, ducks, goats, sheep, sheep dogs, racing pigeons, cows and a miniature horse. Autumn is a prime time to see the newborn lambs on the farm, said Shelby Martin, who has worked at the farm for six years.
Martin takes visitors on a 20-minute hayride along a dirt trail leading to a lake on the property. Along the trail are painted hay bales, scarecrows and a variety of other Halloween decorations, all kid-friendly.
"The hay ride is mostly for children, so we don't want it to be too scary," he said.
After a photo-op at the lake, visitors hop back on the hayride and it winds back around the property to the pumpkin patch, where they can search for a pumpkin souvenir to take home.
Khonnor Dorminey, 2, was out Sunday with his parents, Matt and Erin, looking for pumpkins to decorate their home.
"I'd never even heard of this place until recently," said Matt, who made the drive from Columbus to see the farm. "This was a great way to kick start tA,A!he season."
The farm is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 31. Admission is $7, children two and younger are free. The farm is located off Russell County Road 33 approximately 12 miles west of Phenix City. For more information and directions, visit www.marengocreekfarms.com.
Fort Benning's annual Oktoberfest, held this year from Friday to Oct. 18, also feature a free pumpkin patch. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 17 and noon to 6 p.m. Oct. 18.
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