Hay is being set for pumpkins, participants and hay rides as the staff of Bloomingcamp Ranch prepares for its annual Harvest Festival. The event will be hosted at the ranch just east of Oakdale on Saturday, Sept. 24 and Sunday, Sept. 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
“We have a lot more vendors this year,” said Courtney Smith, who operates the ranch with her husband Matthew. “We are getting a tractor donated for the hay ride and we have the Poker Run which I’m really excited about.”
Smith stated the Poker Run will be hosted on Sunday in conjunction with the Festival. Registration for the event begins at 8 a.m., which includes a poker hand and raffle ticket. Participants will then visit four different stops where they will receive additional cards. The stops include: Knights Ferry Store, Roberts Ferry Nut Company, Oakdale Cheese and Sierra Dinner Train. The last vehicle must be in by 12:30 p.m. and the winner will be announced at 1 p.m. All proceeds from the $25 registration fee will go to the Alzheimer’s Association.
“This event allows us to team up with our partners and other places that draw people to the area,” Smith said of the designated run stops. “We wanted to make sure we picked appropriate family destinations. The whole purpose is the family aspect.”
The Poker Run, she added, is just one more aspect to making the day an enjoyable one while also contributing to charity.
“My granddad passed away from Alzheimer’s, so I want to bring awareness to it. It’s something that’s near and dear to me,” Smith stated, noting that the early morning start gives participants time to return and enjoy harvest festivities.
Among the festivities Smith speaks of, families will find a number of things including vendors, crafts, games, a petting zoo, a pumpkin patch, food, a pie-eating contest and various demonstrations.
“We love bringing this event to the community,” Smith said of the festival, which holds tradition for many. “It’s just a lot of fun and a great way to celebrate harvest.”
For additional information on the upcoming event as well as to register for the Poker Run online, visit www.bloomingcampranch.com/harvest-festival.
