There is a lot of outdoor fun to be had this weekend during the Bates Nut Farm traditional Pumpkin Festival.

The sprawling farm has many delightful and imaginative scarecrows propped up here and there, as they ramp up for a scarecrow contest. The scarecrows will be judged next Saturday, from 11 a.m. until noon, on October 12, 2013. (Go to their website for an entry form, first prize is $200.)

This Saturday and Sunday, October 5 and 6, the famous farm has a petting zoo and pony rides and other diversions for children. Adults can stroll through a craft fair, where artisans are selling their home-made wares from booths.

Of course, there are thousands of roly-poly pumpkins available to purchase, some for pies, some for decoration.

An all-you-can-eat breakfast is available every day from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., cost is $6 for adults and $5 for children. Volunteers with the Valley Center Lions Club will cook your eggs the way you like, and make pancakes with happy faces; they will put as many sausages and bacon on your paper plate as you dare; you may take your own orange juice and coffee.

There are gourmet food trucks and other food options, all day, each day.

The pumpkin patch is open daily, until 5 p.m., through October 31.

For more information go to batesnutfarm.biz

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