Sept. 10, 2024, Forestville, CA — Santa Rosa Junior College's (SRJC) Shone Farm invites the community to its annual Fall Festival presented by American AgCredit on Saturday, October 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event will be held at Shone Farm, located at 7450 Steve Olson Lane.
The Fall Festival offers a unique opportunity for the public to explore the farm during harvest season. Students and staff from SRJC’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Department will lead activities and offer a variety of fresh, locally grown food.
Visitors can browse a farm stand featuring seasonal produce, including tomatoes, Bodega Red potatoes, and sweet peppers. Shone Farm wines will also be available for tasting, courtesy of students in the farm's tasting room. Guests are encouraged to stop by the barn to meet the farm animals. Lunch options include burgers and hot dogs prepared by Sebastopol FFA, autumn vegetable soup benefiting Food For Thought, and food offerings from the Black Piglet + Catering food truck.
Admission is $10 per vehicle when purchased online and $15 at the gate.
Festival activities include:
- U-pick pumpkins, apples, and sweet potatoes
- Children's activities such as the rotten fruit slingshot and pedal tractors
- A showcase of student projects, including fresh-cut flowers
- Tractor "show and tell" and farm equipment displays
- Barn animal meet and greet
- Free farm tours and hay bale rides
- Wine tasting ($10 tasting fee)
SRJC Environmental Studies student Sierra Letvinchuck, who worked at last year’s festival, shared her excitement: "I could feel the energy all around. It was heartwarming to see the smiles on everyone’s faces and to watch kids proudly carrying their pumpkins. It’s such a joyful event."
Kristen Tantarelli from American AgCredit, presenting sponsor for the event, expressed her support for the event: "Santa Rosa Junior College and Shone Farm have been instrumental in training past generations of agricultural professionals, preparing today’s students, and inspiring future leaders in the industry. We are proud to sponsor the Shone Farm Fall Festival and support SRJC’s ongoing work."
Additional community leaders supporting Shone Farm and SRJC Ag and Natural Resources through sponsorship of the event include Halter Project, Lindley Cattle Company, Sonoma County Winegrowers, Cold Creek Compost, Balletto Vineyards, Sonoma County Farm Bureau, Bahco, J Vineyards & Winery, and Sanchietti Farming.
For over four decades, Shone Farm has served as a vital field laboratory and teaching resource for SRJC’s Agriculture and Natural Resources students. The farm provides hands-on learning opportunities in areas such as natural resource management, sustainable agriculture, winemaking, viticulture, horticulture, agribusiness, animal health, and livestock management.
Please note: Only service animals are allowed on the premises.
For more information about the Fall Festival, visit Shone Farm Fall Festival.
