PALMDALE, CA - The City of Palmdale and Gilchrist Farm are excited to announce the first-ever Palmdale Pumpkin Palooza! Join us at the Palmdale Auto Mall, located at 39050 Carriage Way, for family-friendly fall activities on weekdays from 2 to 8 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Oct. 1 to Oct. 31.

"We're excited to bring seasonal activities to our residents this fall," said Mayor Austin Bishop. "It's a great chance for family and friends to get out in the community for some festive fun."

Don't miss out on the chance to create pioneer and farm crafts, where you can explore traditional skills and create something special. Unleash your inner treasure hunter as you dig for sparkling gems and pan for gold. Capture the magic with our fantastic photo opportunities and prints for sale - perfect for taking home a piece of the experience. Kids will love getting their faces painted and can enjoy a petting zoo, pony rides and inflatable bounce houses, weather permitting. Fresh pumpkins, hay bales and corn stalks fresh from Gilchrist Farm to add a festive fall flair to your home will be available for purchase. Food trucks will be onsite every Friday through Sunday until the lot's closure on Oct. 31. Join us for this event packed with excitement - there's something for everyone and admissions is free!

"Events like this bring a lot of joy to our community," said Mayor Pro Tem Richard J. Loa. "With so many fun activities, it's a great opportunity for families to come together and create lasting memories."

Get ready to bring your best sculpting skills because Palmdale Auto Mall and Gilchrist Farms are hosting an in-person pumpkin carving contest from 3 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12 to kick off the season! Be sure to tell your friends because the top three winners will receive a $500, $250 and $100 gift card prize, respectively, courtesy of Gilchrist Farm and the Palmdale Auto Mall. The first 50 participants will receive a free pumpkin for their use in the contest. To ensure everyone is included, all participants-in-person and those joining from home-can post a photo of their pumpkin creations on Facebook or Instagram. Use the hashtag #PalmdalePumpkin2024 and tag Palmdale Auto Mall (Facebook: @PalmdaleAuto, Instagram: @Palmdale_Automall). Show us your creativity, whether you're at the event or celebrating from home! The posts that receive the most interactions will be crowned victorious.

We look forward to celebrating with you! Starting Nov. 29, the pumpkin patch will transform into Palmdale Pines & Presents Tree Farm. Join us for all the seasonal fun!

For more information, visit www.gilchristfarm.com/pumpkin-patch.