Pies will be baked, cider pressed, pumpkins stacked and activities set as Bloomingcamp Ranch hosts the Annual Bloomingcamp Ranch Harvest Festival, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 14 and 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

It is an event which Bloomingcamp Pie Shop manager, Betsy (Stueve) Townsend has been anticipating since her family took over the shop and park area in mid-Spring of this year. Just a handful of months since the Stueve family went full tilt at the ranch, with Townsend maintaining the day in, day out operations, she shared her excitement at watching it all come together.

This year’s annual event will host much of what it has become known for, with a bit of focus returning to the young.

“I’m really just gearing toward kid activities,” Townsend said, noting a successful partnership with Heritage-School of Discovery, which will host a variety of free youth activities.

Sierra 4-H will also return with their Petting Zoo and Orange Blossom 4-H will have a photo booth for families to capture a seasonal photo. Other family friendly activities will include face painting, corn-hole, inflatable obstacle courses, pony rides, a wagon ride and a climbing rock wall (on Sunday only).

While many of the events offered will be free, a handful will be available for a small fee. Tickets will be sold for redemption at varying attractions.

Approximately 25 Arts and Crafts vendors, selected by Townsend, will also be in attendance. The organizer noted a passion for making the vendor space unique by way of handmade goods.

“I’m most excited about having it all come together,” she said. “The best part is seeing it unfold. I’m excited for the kids.”

Townsend has also enjoyed some quality time with her husband Jake as they learned to make fresh apple cider under the guidance and wisdom of Joy Bloomingcamp herself.

“It’s not apple juice, it’s apple cider,” Townsend said. “What makes it a cider is because it hasn’t been pasteurized.”

The seasonal treat will be offered for sale in varying forms at the event, as well as caramel apples, pies, baked goods and lunch offerings. A taco truck, as well as pizza will be offered by outside sources. The Bloomingcamp team will have tri-tip and chicken sandwiches available as well, using meat supplied by Medlen’s House of Beef.

“It’s really about creating those childhood memories,” Townsend shared. “I remember coming when I was a little kid.”