The Pumpkin Festival, an annual rite of fall at Cal Poly Pomona for students, families and children, will take place Oct. 16 and 17 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thousands of pumpkins, starting at $5, will be available in the patch near the Farm Store. In addition, visitors can enjoy a pancake breakfast, a petting zoo, pony rides, a corn maze, entertainment and many other activities for children. Admission to the festival is free. Prices for individual activities, including the breakfast, vary.

"This once-a-year event is a great family affair," says Dawn Taccone, the Farm Store manager. "Come and enjoy a grilled hamburger with a slice of pumpkin pie and freshly squeezed lemonade. Sit and enjoy the music from local bands. Take a journey through our first ever corn maze. Most important, come and pick out that perfect pumpkin for carving."

The Pumpkin Festival is held in conjunction with the Insect Fair at the Bronco Student Center and on the same day as the annual Matt's Run, a 5K run/walk around campus that supports scholarships.

Parking for the Pumpkin Festival will be available in lots K and B, with shuttle service provided to the Farm Store. For more information, visit the College of Agriculture website at www.cpp.edu/~agri/news/pumpkin.shtml or call (909) 869-2215.