Descanso Gardens anticipates acres of family fun in a beautiful autumn landscape during its Pumpkin Roundup festival on Saturday and Sunday, October 25 and 26. The activities will include:
Boom Town! at Van de Kamp Hall: A one-stop destination for the entire family where visitors can: buy and decorate a pumpkin at the Pumpkin Decoratin’ Station; see honeybees up close and learn all about them from the Los Angeles Beekeepers Association; buy some grub from Patina’s Chuck Wagon Chili Station; and purchase one-of-a-kind handmade items from Descanso Gardens craft volunteers.
Costume Parades at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. A grand procession through the Gardens where visitors become part of a festive parade. A trick roper leads the way. Bring your cameras.
Jeepers Creepers- Descanso Creatures! A crossword activity puzzle that’s a fun way for children and their families to discover the Gardens’ seasonal surprises. Puzzles are available at Boom Town! and Descanso’s courtyard kiosk. The puzzle was created by the late children’s book author Sue Alexander, who worked closely with Descanso Gardens to create this unique, reading-centered activity.
“Rodeo” Dance Performance at 2 p.m. Talented members of the California Theatrical Youth Ballet dance perform a child-friendly version of Aaron Copland’s ballet score Rodeo.
Antique Farm Tractor Display from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A quaint collection of lovingly restored and running vintage farm tractors by the Topa Topa Flywheelers Club.
Enchanted Railroad from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Descanso’s replica of a diesel train, $3 a ride.
Descanso Gardens is located at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, near the interchange of the 2 and 210 freeways. The Gardens are open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily except Christmas Day. Parking is free. Admission fees are $8 for adults; $6 for seniors and students; $3 for children 5 to 12, and free for members and children 5 and younger. For more information call (818) 949-4200 or visit www.descansogardens.org.
