How to Make The Most of Your Trip to the Pumpkin Farm

YEE-HAW!! We heard that you are planning a trip to 

Faulkner’s Pumpkin Ranch!

We want to make sure that you have the best time ever when you visit the ranch, so we've put together a list of our favorite tips and tricks to help you make the most out of your visit.

Get ready to have some fun, folks!

1. First things first, take a look at our weekend events calendar and pick a weekend that interests you.  Each weekend has a different theme, along with special guests and performances.  
2. Dress accordingly!  Ya’ll know October in the Midwest - it's a fickle month.  It can be hot to trot or chilly chilly (all in the same day too!).  The weather can be pretty unpredictable, so it is best to dress accordingly.  If it is by chance one of those typical fall days, it is best to dress in layers.  That way if you get warm doing all of the activities, you can just take off your sweater or jacket.  Also, wear comfortable, close-toed shoes.  While there are sidewalks leading to almost every activity, it is best to wear shoes that get along good on all turf.
3. Come hungry!  One of the things that we pride ourselves the most in is our DELICIOUS BBQ.  Enjoy your meal in our banquet barn, out under the pavilion, or in the shade at one of our picnic benches.  We've got something for everyone - just take a look at our menu!
4. Make a pumpkin plan!  Talk with your family about what you would like to do with your pumpkins this year.  Are you planning on carving them or painting them?  Maybe you’d like to make a fun fall display in your front yard?  If you know ahead of time, then you will be able to pick the best pumpkins for your project. { Click Here To Read Our Pumpkin Picking Tips }
5. Get that camera ready!  The pumpkin farm is the perfect place for a photo op.  Make sure that you camera or iPhone is fully charged and ready to go so you don’t miss a shot.  It's even a good idea to pack that extra battery just in case.
6. Got little walkers?  Feel free to bring in your stroller or wagon.  The ranch is equipped with sidewalks that lead to each activity that make it very accessible.
7. Make sure you allow enough time to do everything.  In addition to our attractions, we also have special performances on the weekends.  Be sure to give yourself at least a few hours to enjoy the amenities, catch the shows, and grab something to eat.
8. Got allergies?  The farm is full of animals, hay, and grass.  All fun things until you add allergies into the mix, so be sure to plan accordingly and take medicine beforehand if needed.
9. Check out our coupons and special deals! Pick up a copy of KC Parent Magazine or visit their site for a special discount code.  We also offer special deals on certain weekends, i.e. Grandparents Weekend (October 6 & 7) - Grandparents receive 1/2 off admission with the purchase of a grandchild's admission.
10. Start a tradition!  One of the things that we love the most about the pumpkin farm is seeing the same families each year and watching them grow.  If this is your first trip to the pumpkin farm, or even if it isn't, pick something that you can do each time you come back.  Maybe it is taking a picture in a certain place or finding the biggest pumpkin.  Traditions lead to wonderful memories and that is what Faulkner's Ranch is all about!

Hopefully these tips and tricks will help you make the most of your visit!  

We can't wait to see you out on the farm!

Have a great day, ya'll!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

Happy Blogiversary + Pumpkin Season Kickoff!

Today is a big day here at Faulkner's Ranch!

Not only is it the opening day of our 2013 Pumpkin Season (can we get a YEE-HAW!), but it is also our 2nd Blogiversary!

That's right!  Exactly two years ago we began sharing our pumpkin tips and tricks with you.  From there we started our Word From the Herd, our Picnic Planning Tips series, Wedding Wednesdays, Oh So Pinteresting Saturdays, and more!

Now, over 361 posts later and 80,000 page views, here we are!

Of course, this blog wouldn't be a success without someone very special...

YOU!

Yes, you - our wonderful, faithful, and fun readers!

So

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU

for always stopping by!

Now stay tuned, cause we are about to celebrate our 14th Annual Pumpkin Season with a Pumpkin Party - blogstyle! 

Have a great day ya'll!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

PS - Don't forget to check out our 2013 Pumpkin Season lineup!

Lockton Was Here!

It is crazy to think that our summer picnic season is coming to an end.  We have been so blessed this summer with the most awesome groups that have chosen Faulkner's Ranch for their celebration.  One of these amazing groups was Lockton Affinity.  On September 14th they held their company picnic at the ranch and boy were the a fun group!

One of our favorite activities that this group did was the potato sack race.  It was intense!

Ready, Set, Go!

Just look at them go!  Those kids may be little but they were some fierce competitors.

Speaking of being competitive, they had a nice little fishing competition too!

They had two divisions to compete in: the kid division and the adult division.  The winners each received a $25 gift card.

Nice catch, Lockton!

When they weren't competing for some awesome prizes, they were chowing down on some delicious food.  This little cowgirl even got to ring the dinner bell!

This was such a fun event.  Thanks again for joining us at the ranch, Lockton!  Ya'll were some pretty cool folks!

Sad that picnic season is over?  Well, you're in luck pardner!  Check out our Fall Picnic Packages!

Have a great day, ya'll!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

Wedding Wednesday: A Benjamin Ranch Wedding

Remember when we showed you the ADORABLE and oh-so-unique wedding program from the Harney wedding?  Well, we wanted to show you some more of our favorite details from this special event at our Benjamin Ranch location.

Here is Christine with the Word from the Herd to tell you all about it!

Kevin (the Ranch J) and I had the amazing privilege to sit in on this wedding.  As you can imagine, between the two of us we must have over 500 weddings under our belts.  He and I both agreed that the Harney wedding goes down in history as one of the most special, thoughtful, personal ceremonies we have ever seen.  There were so many little touches that made it this way.  For example, when the bride's father gave her away he talked for several minutes about the her character and strength which of course had everyone in tears.  The officiant was their pastor, as well as a good friend, who knew the couple well.  You could tell he believed that they were made for each other.

It was almost a surreal experience.  Just look at the light when she entered the room:

Didn't she look stunning?

Speaking of stunning, let's talk about the decor for the ceremony.  Russ Lawrence once again worked his magic and transformed the Benjamin Ranch into a charming, rustic, elegant place.

Speaking of the ceremony, I had never seen a foot washing incorporated into a ceremony before.  They added this because they wanted to show their service and sacrifice to each other.  It was so beautiful to watch.  The couple totally took their time.  I thought with their age they would surely snicker but the way they washed each others feet was so serious, sweet, and sincere.

Another small touch that made the ceremony wonderful was the sound.  Everyone who spoke was properly microphoned.  Doing this may cost a little bit extra, but it is totally worth it to share your vows for all of your loved ones to hear.

The reception area was also beautiful.  Russ Lawrence did an amazing job once again with the decor.

Of course, we can't end this post without mentioning the food.  They had a buffet that was sure to please all of their guests.

The entire evening was just wonderful.  Oh, and we can't forget this fun detail!  The bride and groom had their very own hashtag for Instagram!  That is such a great way to ensure that you get copies of all of the candid shots that people take throughout the night.  In fact, it's like your own little online wedding album that you can look at right away.  They even shared some photos themselves.  The very last photo of the night was added by them: a selfie of the Harney's titled "We're Married!"

It was such a fun night and we feel so blessed to have been a part of it.

Congrats again to Mr. and Mrs. Harney!

~ Cowgirl Christine

Are you interested in having your special day at Faulkner's Ranch or Benjamin Ranch?

{ Just click here to learn about how we can make your dream day a reality! }

Team Building Done Right!

Let us tell ya somethin', folks!  When it comes to Team Building, Black and Veatch's marketing department does not mess around.  We had the privilege of hosting their team building event at our ranch and they were one of the most fun (and might we say competitive) groups that we have ever had.

Just take a look at some of the fun ranch chores we tested them with!

First things first, there was fishing!
Here they came, ready to see who could get the biggest catch...

It was the perfect day for fishing.  Absolutely beautiful and the fish were bitin'!

This cowboy earned 100 points for his team for catching the first fish.  Way to go!

Then there was some Duck Racing that they were very competitive about.

Who knew that little rubber duckies could bring out that side of people? ;o)

By the way, don't you love their cowboy hats?  So festive!

Let's not forget about the water balloon toss, a perfect way to stay cool on a hot summer day...

Great catch guys!

Of course, no Ranch Team Building would be complete without some goat dressing.

Don't worry - no goats were harmed in this event.  They actually don't mind it one bit!  Perhaps because they get spoiled with lots and lots of extra attention during our team building events.

Of course, all of this was in an effort to win one of the grand prize trophies!

Aren't they cool?  They ordered them online, had them engraved to say "2013 Ranch Ruckus", and adorned them with various little items related to the chores.

Plus everyone got one of these cool party favors...

Represent B&V!

Overall, this was such a fun day!  Plus, we always feel good knowing that we have helped a company build some team spirit.  Thanks again for joining us, Black and Veatch!

{ For more info on Team Building at Faulkner's Ranch click here! | 

Have a great day, ya'll!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

Cargill Picnic

Recently we were privileged to host the fine people of Cargill for their company picnic.  Cargill is an international producer and marketer of food, agricultural, financial and industrial products and services.

Since Cargill is all about providing food, it was fun that day to turn the tables and feed them.

And feed them we did! Just take a look at their buffet.  Everyone was really excited to dig in... 

One great idea that anyone can take from this picnic is that they made sure to provide a vegetarian option.  This is always good idea.  Even if none of your employees are known to be vegetarians, their guests might me so it is always courteous to provide at least a few meals.

Speaking of courteous, the next thing they did just blew our mind.  They requested to have to-go meals prepared for the employees that couldn't attend due to having to work.  Isn't that awesome?  That is truly a great way to show employee appreciation.

By the way, did we mention that it was really hot that day?  Well, this group had no problem staying cool with all of the fun water games and activities.  Just check out the line for the dunk tank:

It was to dunk their manager.  Everyone wanted a chance at that!

Of course, there is no better way to stay cool than some yummy ice-cream.  There was no shortage of that with this awesome ice cream bar.  It had everything you needed to made a delicious sundae.

Talk about a great day!  Thanks again Cargill for choosing Faulkner's Ranch to treat your employees!

Did you know that we have special Fall Picnic Packages for Pumpkin Season?

Click here for more info!

Have a great day, ya'll!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

A Taylor Swift Birthday

If there is one thing that we all love here at the ranch it is some Taylor Swift.  We can’t help it - we are all die hard T-Swizzle fans.  We just love her!

So, of course when we found out that a very special birthday girl had only two requests for her big day, Faulkner’s Ranch and Taylor Swift, we were honored!  To be in the same ranks as our gal T - such a huge compliment!

Her mama did such a great job with the details.  Just look at this beautiful table setup...

And look - there’s Taylor!

There were other special details too like this homemade banner...

Such love!

Plus, we just loved the way that she displayed her lollipops.

So clever and fun!

Thanks again for picking us for your special day!  We hope that it was "enchanted"!

We’re curious - what is your favorite Taylor Swift song?  This is our current fave:

{ Click here for more details on our Pony Parties! }

Have a great day, ya’ll!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner’s


PS - It's almost Pumpkin Season!