Felicia Caraway-Special to the Sun

Local Tiger Scout Pack 690, Den Leader Kim Whitlock, and Tiger parents visited the October Fest 2007 at Murray Family Farms, located just off Highway 58 in Bakersfield. This fall celebration gives families an opportunity to enjoy the wonders of fall complete with 30 minute hay rides to the pumpkin patch and a small pumpkin for each rider, spider and asparagus mazes, petting zoo, children’s carnival and play area, ant farm, and more. During the month of October, the farm has a package that includes these activities for $9.00 per person or the choice of purchasing each separately. Larger pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn, and other fall dˆ©cor are available. Face painting is offered for $1.00.

A prize is given to those who answer a list of spider-related questions located throughout the Spider Maze, which is full of creepy spiders, webs, and frightful Halloween sights. Tiger scout Tristan Hale won an orange skull ring upon completion of his quiz. The children’s carnival gives little ones a chance to experience the charm of games and crafts of a bygone era such as a pumpkin-seed toss, puzzles, planting seeds, spider-making, and a fishing pond.

The Tiger Scouts stand outside the entrance to Murray Family Farms, before entering to visit the October Fest 2007.

Smiles and giggles are plentiful when visiting the petting zoo where goats, sheep, chickens, a pot-bellied pig, and a llama are available to pet, watch, and feed. Bags of food for the animals are available for $2.00. Tiger Scout Evan Whitlock and his sister Kylie were surprised when the goats ate their plastic bags! A pigeon coop and a peacock aviary are adjacent to the petting zoo, offering sights of these birds up close.

Murray Family Farms offers plenty of fun year-round. Every Saturday and Sunday in October and at select times throughout the year, the Kern County Live Steamers offers replica train rides around the farm for $3.00 per person. The spider maze is turned back into a hay maze during the rest of the year. An indoor market sells fresh produce, fudge, cookies, pies, dried fruit, jerky, honey, and more. Complementary pull-wagons with large pneumatic tires provide small children with a fun ride through the farm. A large picnic area with picnic benches, shade structures, and large trees gives families a place to enjoy the outdoor atmosphere. The farm is available for birthday parties and other celebrations as well as school tours. New package deals are offered each month and coincide with the seasons and holidays. November’s theme is Taste the Colors of Fall/Harvest Cornucopia and December’s will be based around Christmas.

Owners Steve and Vickie Murray have been in business since 1989 starting with 20 acres and a mission of increasing in size while practicing natural farming methods. The farm has grown to 360 acres with 151 sustainable-yield grown crops. A highlight of this sustainable agriculture farm is the chance to pick your own produce all year. The 8000 square foot barn is opening as a farmer’s market, cafˆ©, deli, bakery, and gift store in November and will offer an array of beverages such as espresso, apple cider, and hot chocolate.

The farm is at 6700 General Beale Road along Highway 58. To get there from the Kern River Valley, take 178 West to Comanche Road and turn left. Follow Comanche Road to Highway 58 and head east to General Beale Road. Turn left onto General Beale Road and follow it to Murray Family Farms. There is plenty of parking for RV’s and large trucks. The farm’s October hours are Sunday through Thursday from 9 am to 6 pm, Friday from 9 am to 9 pm, and Saturday from 8 am to 9 pm. For more information, call 661-330-0100 or 661-854-2506, or visit the website at www.murrayfamilyfarms.com.