News

Valencia town center hosts first ever annual pumpkin patch

Hailey Kim, Sophia Jang, and Brianna Machado

November 21, 2024

Stepping into the Valencia Town Center parking lot, guests can hear the sounds of children playing around and a band playing as upbeat music fills the air. Visitors saw bright, orange pumpkins scattered on haystacks ready to be bought and family and friends gathering to spend the day together. Santa Clarita’s new town center pumpkin patch brought the community together in October.

Besides the Pumpkin Patch, there were various activities for children to enjoy. A train took children around the patch in circles, and a bouncy house allowed children to play inside. Different slides entertained the children, with one even being shaped like a ship. Jumbo games could be seen near the stacks of hay and pumpkins, such as a life-sized board of “chess.”

If guests got hungry, they could explore the various snack and food vendors at the pumpkin patch. From tacos to spicy candy and cotton candy, visitors could satisfy their cravings and enjoy the festivities.

This event had accommodations for adults as well. With a bar, a live DJ and plenty of seating, the pumpkin patch provided a comfortable spot for grown-ups to catch up with friends while enjoying the fall atmosphere.

When asked about the organization of this event, Coordinator Joe Turk explained the month-long preparation process: “A lot of permits, a lot of talking to the health department, talking to the mall, scheduling all the vendors.” While planning for the event may have been hard work, Turk and the other planners’ dedication brought in many visitors from the Santa Clarita community.

West Ranch students also enjoyed this new fall festivity. “I decided to go [to the pumpkin patch] because I wanted to get a pumpkin to carve, and heard that there was going to be a new one opening at the mall,” sophomore Kaylie Chung explained when asked ab

out her experience, “It was pretty nice because there were a lot of snacks I could try, and just a lot of stuff to do in general.”

This new, annual event has contributed a great deal to the fall spirit of Santa Clarita. Keep your eyes peeled for more festive events this year, Cats!

About the Contributors

Hailey Kim, Staff Writer

Hailey Kim is currently in her second year of high school and Journalism. She focuses on writing News stories for The Paw Print, but sometimes branches out to other sections. When she's not focusing on writing stories for The Paw Print, she's most likely doing schoolwork, sleeping, or playing tennis. She likes her friends, the color blue, and sweets. Hailey will do her best to pump out stories!

Sophia Jang, Staff Writer

Sophia Jang is Sophomore at West Ranch High School and this is her first year being a part of the Paw Print. She doesn't have much journalistic experience but she is eager to learn and become a better writer. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, hanging out with her friends, and shopping. She also enjoys watching films, especially action movies. She is excited to start her journey in journalism.

Brianna Machado, Staff Writer

Brianna is a junior going into her first year in The Paw Print. While she doesn't have much journalistic experience she is excited to express herself through writing, graphic designs, and photography. In her free time Brianna loves to draw, paint, and listen to music. Her favorite place is the beach and she enjoys traveling to new places. Brianna is looking forward to starting her journey on the West Ranch Paw Print!