Whitt’s End Fall Fest Gives Cheyenne Pumpkin To Talk About
The pumpkin patch scene in Cheyenne, Wyoming, is experiencing something of a boom this year. Five years ago, you couldn't find a local fall festival featuring classic autumnal activities like picking pumpkins and hay mazes near the city - many families traveled to Northern Colorado to find their Fall fun.
The lack of such a quintessentially Fall experience is part of why the Whitt family decided to host the Whitt's End Cattle Depot Fall Festival. They love ranching and want to give the community a glimpse into real ranching life - all while celebrating the best parts of autumn in Wyoming.
"We started Whitt's End for our family and the community. We wanted a great place for everyone to be able to come, have fun, and learn a little bit about the ranching lifestyle. Just because this is Wyoming, not everyone is on a ranch. Plus, what's better than a good old-fashioned day of fun!" explained Lene Whitt, one of the masterminds behind the Fall Fest.
Whitt's End's Fall Festival & Pumpkin Patch Features Farm-Fresh Fun!
What does 80,000 pounds of pumpkins look like? You can find out at Whitt's End's Fall Fest. They've ordered loads of pumpkins, which means everyone will find the perfect gourd waiting for them somewhere in the patch. Plus, there'll be pumpkin carving stations so you can get ahead on your spooky season decorating game.
It's not all pumpkins at this party, either. After all, what's a Fall Fest without games? This year's celebration features everything from bouncy houses and cornhole games to a petting zoo and kiddie rodeo. Check out all the fun to be had at the festival:
Games
Among the games include tether ball, life-size Jenga, connect 4, and kid axe throwing.
Kiddie Rodeo
Kids dreaming of life as a cowboy? The Whitt's End Fall Fest has a chance for them to experience a taste of rodeo challenges. The kiddie rodeo will feature activities for kids ages 1 to 18. Kids ages 1 to 4 can try their hand at baby goat tail ribbon pulling (which sounds adorably fun.) Tots ages 3 to 8 can start their rodeo career with mutton busting, and kids ages 5 to 10 can give sheep ribbon pulling a go. Older kids (ages 11 to 18) can take on the challenge of a calf ribbon pull.
Petting Zoo
Bring the kids for an afternoon of cuteness overload at the petting zoo. Meet Miss Piggy (soon to be a mamma,) Milky Way (a dairy cow,) baby calves, baby goats, and more sweet farm animals at the Fall Festival.
Food & Libations
Enjoy farm-raised brats and burgers from the folks at Whitt's End and adult beverages served by Knotty Pine Saloon.
Shopping & More!
Looking to get a jump on your autumn shopping? Check out the vendors at the Fall Fest featuring baked goods, salsas, artisanal crafts, and more. And, Lene added, visitors won't want to miss out on the festival's raffle. "Browns Shoe Fit Co has donated an awesome raffle basket that will be raffled off during the event. Whitt's End is donating several beef and pork bundles, horseback riding lessons, and more."
Are There More Festivals in the Future for Whitt's End Cattle Depot?
As far as the folks at Whitt's End are concerned, the 2024 Fall Festival is just the beginning. "We are excited to share our events with the community. We hope to grow and expand these events in the future and offer many more fun-filled days," said Lene, after expressing her gratitude to the community that has supported the farm's "amazing journey."
Whitt's End Fall Festival Details:
- When: 5 weekends from September 29th through October 29th. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
- Hours:
- Fridays from 2 to 7 p.m. (no livestock events).
- Saturdays/Sundays from 10 to 7 p.m., with livestock events starting at 2 p.m.
- Hours:
- Where: 1249 Happy Jack, Cheyenne, WY 82009
- Cost: $10/person or $40/family (2 parents and kids) - includes most games and activities.
- Additional Info: Click here.