First came drought. Then came torrential rains. Area farmers had serious challenges—but this is New Mexico after all! Now it’s time for the harvest. From the apples of Sandoval County to the beans of Torrance County—there are tasty crops ready for sampling. Harvest Festivals are “cropping” up everywhere! These are opportunities for your children to learn more about food production and have a bushel of fun at the same time.

Bernalillo County:
“The 21st Annual Corrales Harvest Festival, honors the farming roots and unique rural atmosphere of the village,” says Sally Newcomb, publicist for the event and an enthusiastic participant with her family. The weekend celebration starts Sept. 30 and continues Oct. 1, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Festivities begin with a Pet Parade and continue at the Corrales Growers Market. There will be an Arts and Crafts show, live entertainment, hay rides, Wagner’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch, and a farm tour of local farms and wineries. A Fun Run starts Sunday morning at 8 a.m. and a $2 ticket offers the opportunity for unlimited hayrides. Proceeds from this event go to charities. For more information contact Sally at 792-8912.

The State Fair brings the experience of country living into the middle of Albuquerque. This year’s event begins Sept. 8 and runs through Sept. 24. The Fair is a time to celebrate those things that are uniquely New Mexican. Visitors can sign up for an Animal Tour at the Kids Pavilion, to be escorted through the animal barns by a teen-ager who raises animals. Or visit McDonald’s Farm for a hands-on simulation of rural life. Look for the Agriculture Building and Courtyard on Main Street. It is the location for the popular Farmer’s Market, Battle of the Salsas and the Chile Cook Off. There is a petting zoo called All Creatures Great and Small and the Red Barn is the place to see all kinds of animals with their babies. To learn about how wool is turned into rugs and jackets see the “Sheep to Shawl” exhibit near the Dairy Barn. To find the complete schedule go to www.exponm.com or call 265-1791.

Valencia County:
The weekend of Sept. 29 through Oct. 1 will be Rio Abajo Days in Belen. From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, 8 a.m. to midnight on Saturday, and 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, this will be a celebration of the farming and ranching heritage of the area. It includes several rodeo events as well as an arts and crafts show, mule and donkey events, a petting zoo, carnival and lots of old-fashioned family fun. The events will be held at the Sheriff’s Posse Fairgrounds. Kids 12 and under get in free. The cost for those over 12 is $5. Call 864-8091 to get more information or look online at www.rioabajodays.org.

Torrance County:
This will be the 11th year for Estancia’s Punkin Chunkin Festival, held Oct. 21. It features cannons and a giant slingshot sending pumpkins flying through the air. Local farmers donate a large amount of pumpkins. Proceeds from the event funded nine college scholarships last year. This unique celebration is the only one of its kind in New Mexico. The day begins with a parade down Main Street at 11 a.m. Children scream in delight at being sprayed with confetti and candy by the cannons! The festivities continue at the field off of Hwy. 55, 1 mile west of town. The afternoon includes a carnival, games, entertainment and a baking contest. “Enter your favorite pumpkin creation for this contest,” says Warren Metzker, the County Extension agent. And of course, the highlight of the day is watching pumpkins soar and smash. Kids will want to enter the contest to fling pumpkins with the slingshot. For more information contact Angela Coburn at 384-2777.

Moriarty’s Pinto Bean Fiesta will be held Oct. 14. This day celebrates the great production of beans in the Estancia Valley. It begins with an old-fashioned parade, where kids scramble for the candy thrown from the floats. The fun continues at the City Park with a bean cook-off contest, arts and crafts, and plenty of games for the kids. One local woman shares her Pinto Bean Fudge! For more information contact the Chamber of Commerce at 832-4087.

McCall’s Pumpkin Patch in Moriarty is open to the public every weekend throughout October and opens for scheduled groups on the weekdays. This farm turns into a month-long festival featuring pick-your-own pumpkins, a petting zoo, corn maze, digging for gems, playing in a corn pile, riding the cow train and much more. This pumpkin patch, one of the largest in the country, is an opportunity for a full-day of fun. It is located right off Interstate 40. Call 832-9137 for information on costs.

Sandoval County:
Josephine Mondragon and her four girls drive 70 miles from Moriarty to Peña Blanca every year to find what they call “the world’s best apples.” In spite of the long lines at Dixon’s Apples, they don’t mind waiting their turn to purchase bags of the famous Champagne and Sparkling Burgundy apples that have been developed by this orchard. A picnic on the way home makes this a perfect outing for the Mondragons. To find out more about Dixon’s Apples see their Web site at www.dixonapples.com. Their harvest season runs from late September until the last bag of apples are sold.

Santa Fe County:
The Harvest Festival at El Rancho de Las Golondrinas will run Oct. 7-8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. This Living History Museum, located just south of Santa Fe, offers an opportunity to crush grapes with your feet, grind sorghum with burros and string chili ristras. Visitors can see craft demonstrations, try dipping candles and learn about soap making. It’s as if you are going back in time. For more information and directions call 471-2261 or visit the Web site at www.golondrinas.org.

The Santa Fe Farmers Market is hosting a Harvest Festival on Sept. 16 and a Fall Festival on Oct. 7. There will be music, food, entertainment and plenty of demonstrations. To find out more about these festivals visit www.santafefarmersmarket.com or call 983-4098.

Rio Arriba County:
Romero's Orchard in Embudo will be open from Labor Day through Nov. 1. Their trees suffered from late frost in the spring and fewer apples are expected this year, but they will have lots of pears. Matias Romero says, "Those who don't mind heights are welcome to pick their own. The area is stunningly beautiful and worth a visit." For more information call 579-4378.