Hickory Creek Farms

Thanks for the Memories!

2011-11-12T20:06:00.001-08:00

I overheard the goose talking with the calf about the GREAT time we had around here at Hickory Creek Farms this Fall.

The hen agreed most heartily!

We saw lots and Lots of smiles!

Lots of kids picked their perfect pumpkin to take home.

But first they got to venture into our neat ol' barn...

...where they learned that pumpkins are green before they're orange!

The kids loved the Hickory Creek Express!

And they dove right in the corn tub!

Everyone loved the hay ride!

Some folks experienced their first weiner roast!

Even though some got totally lost in the corn maze, no one called 911. :)

A few tried their hand at checkers.

And we got the trebuchet going! Man can it sling those pumkins!

New friends were made...

And old friends united!

Some mounted ponies and galloped around the track.

ALL had to chuckle as our piggies raced for the finish line!

Some experienced their first trip ever to the pumpkin farm.

But when Fall 2011 came to an end, all had to agree...
"Wow! This was great! Thanks for the memories!"

2011-11-04T09:44:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder how to make a pumpkin pie from a real pumpkin? It's really quite easy! Try it!

First, wash a pumpkin and place it on a cookie sheet inside a 250 degree oven. Bake it slowly until you can stick a fork into it easily. Remove from oven and cool. Peel the pumpkin with a knife (which will be easy now). Separate the "meat" right underneath the peeling from the seeds and "gunky" stuff. Place the "meat" in a blender and add a small amount of water to make blending easy. Once blended, freeze in 2 cup portions in freezer bags. Then you can quickly thaw and make a pie anytime!

PUMPKIN PIE

2 C. fresh pumpkin
1/3 C. sugar
1/3 C. brown sugar
1/4 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
3 eggs
12 oz. evaporated milk

Pour into unbaked pie crust and bake at 375 degrees for 50 minutes. Knife inserted into center should come out clean when done.

PIE CRUST

2 C. flour
1/8 tsp. salt

Add to flour mixture and stir with fork just until mixed:
1/2 C. oil
1/4 C. milk
1 T. oil
1 T. milk

Roll out between two pieces of waxed paper.

Grand Opening!

2011-09-24T20:57:00.000-07:00

What a fabulous day for visiting Hickory Creek Farms this afternoon! Folks galloped on over!

The ducks fairly flew threw their races, along with the pigs and the chickens!Folks dove right in to having fun!

What fun wondering the patch looking for the perfect pumpkin!
An exciting ride on the Hickory Creek Express was just the ticket!
Can't even remember the last time I went on a hayride!

Can't wait to go back to Hickory Creek Farms!!! Maybe tomorrow! :)

Hen Party

2011-09-12T20:00:00.000-07:00

What's up chickie? Hope you're planning to come see us this Fall in the Critter Corral at Hickory Creek Farms - right next to the pumpkin patch! You might even see us sprinting around the race track a time or two! Sometimes we get a little distracted, what with the grasshoppers and all. But whatever! We're gonna have a ball! :)

Our Winner!

2011-09-11T20:08:00.000-07:00

A big congratulations goes to Dwayne Smith, the winner of our guess-the-pumpkin contest! He guessed our peanut covered pumpkin to be a Warren Old English Airloom. Our seed packet called it Galeaux d'Eysines. In checking it out on the internet, I'd say they look exactly alike. So, Dwayne you're our winner and one FREE admission ticket to Family Fun Days at Hickory Creek Farms is yours! Can't wait to see you and your family this Fall!

And speaking of winners! Our little piggies are really doing great in their training! They've taken to racing like a "pig to mud". :) You've got to see them!

2011-09-08T12:25:00.000-07:00

Preparations for your visit this Fall continue! The Hickory Creek Express is out of the barn loft and has a fresh coat of paint. Won't your kids love it!!!

The question everyone's asking us after our LONG, hot, dry summer is... "Do you have any pumpkins?" I just took a walk out in the patch and snapped a few pictures. We've got orange ones great for carving! Can't you just see that smiling face sitting on your front porch?

And we've got weird ones! The first one to tell me what this variety is called gets a FREE admission to Hickory Creek Farms Family Fun Days!

We've got flat ones!

And we've got ghostly white ones!

Hope you've got us on your schedule for a visit! We open Saturday, September 24th and will be here with LOTS of fun stuff for the whole family every Saturday and Sunday afternoon through October!

And They're Off!

2011-08-28T20:15:00.001-07:00

It's official! We finished building our track this weekend and training has begun!!! The racers are at the starting gate, the gun fires and.... They're off!

The racers round the first curve with Puddles in the lead, Puffin in close second!

With turn number two in sight, the racers are running at top speed with Puffin still in the lead!

And now the runners are headed for home with the finishing line in sight! Puffin has tired and dropped back to second and now Puddles takes the lead. He's running tirelessly and looks like he's going to finish this race in first place! Yes! Yes! It's Puddles! Puddles wins this most exciting competition at Hickory Creek Farms!!!!

What's this? Chickens? Girls? Which will it be in the next race? You'll have to come see us this Fall! We open Saturday, September 24!

It's a Bird! It's a Plane! It's a....

2011-08-22T19:22:00.000-07:00

...A TREBUCHET!

That's right! I just learned the correct term is not catapult, nor is it a punkin chunker. It's a trebuchet! We got the frame built last year, using one built by Brian Holt and his buddy as our pattern. They generously gave it to us! Thanks guys!

Well, we completed the frame last year (with the help of the DeLanges), but weren't able to work out the kinks with the "thrower" at the top in time for our Family Fun Days in the Fall. With pumpkin season fast approaching (just a little over a month away!), we still haven't gotten it going. Actually, we're pumpkin farmers not engineers!

So, would any of you guys out there be interested in playing with our "new toy" to see if you can make those pumpkins shoot over the pond instead of into the ground ten feet in front of the trebuchet? We welcome your expertise! Give us a call at 620-632-4294 to lend a hand -- and your brain! :)

2011-07-29T10:26:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since you've heard from us and you might be wondering what a pumpkin farm does all summer before those lovely orange things are ready for pickin'. We're preparing for YOUR visit this Fall!!!! Here's just a glimpse of what we've been doing this summer.

Now it's not everyday that Jon and Jerry go flying. But it's the only way we can see if all our planning and cutting have paid off in the corn field. Here's a bird's eye view of our corn maze this year! Think you can conquer it?

And of course, we've been growing pumpkins!

Folks really enjoyed watching our ducks race last year! So we thought we'd add some more runners this Fall. Meet our newest athletes here at Hickory Creek Farms, and our new track for them to run on! Opening day is Saturday, September 24th. Can't wait! Ya'all come!!!

Have A Nice Fall!

2010-09-28T07:04:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let you know that our Fall season has started and runs through the month of October!!!

If pumpkins are what you want you may either pick your own or choose one from our display... anytime except Saturday and Sunday afternoon when you're invited to join us for Family Fun Days.

If you are wanting to add lots of fun activities to pumpkin pickin', come see us Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 1PM-7PM. Admission is $7 (children under 2 are free). Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and peacefully stroll our real life farm. Admire farm animals in the Critter Corral. Watch firsthand the art of rope making, hay baling, and apple cider making (when available). Kids 9 and under will enjoy or Pumpkin Playground. And there's more...

Root for your favorite duck in our first ever REAL LIFE duck races!! Watch our new Punkin Chunkin' Catapult launch pumpkins. Jump in the hay wagon and enjoy a scenic ride through the timber. The kids will want to board the Hickory Creek Express (our barrel train) for a jaunt around the farm. And don't forget to get lost in our corn maze. If just takin' it easy on a bench drinkin' apple cider, enjoying the fresh country air is your forte', feel free to do that too!!

Whatever you choose you will make memories that will last for a lifetime!

Speaking of making memories last, how long has it been since you had a family picture taken? Don Runyon with Treasured Images in Pittsburg is planning to be with us on October 16-17. He's got some great affordable packages and will be available to take your picture behind the barn!

So plan to join us this Fall!

Plan Now

2010-08-11T09:34:00.000-07:00

What better place to have a family reunion than on the farm.

Begin planning now to meet up with your family at Hickory Creek Farms. There are things to do for every age group.

The grandkids can ride horses, ride on the train with Grandma, milk a cow and ride on a tractor...

While the aunts, uncles, and grandparents watch the fun!

At the end of the day you can all enjoy a hayide together!!

Come on out for some family fun!

All Shapes and Sizes

2010-08-03T09:38:00.000-07:00

If you come and see us right now you will see pumpkins of all shapes, colors and sizes. What Fun!

We can't wait until our fall season opens on September 25th!!! Hope to see YOU then!

Corn Maze

2010-06-30T09:50:00.000-07:00

Our corn maze is cut and ready for YOU!!

Come venture through it this fall beginning the last week of September or earlier for groups. Just give us a call to schedule a time!!

...and as you can see our pumpkins are growing nicely and will be ready and waiting for you to choose one of your very own later on in the fall.

Already?!

2010-05-31T11:56:00.000-07:00

Five days later and they are up! We've got pumpkin plants!

Pumpkin Plantin Time

2010-05-29T07:44:00.000-07:00

So many people have asked us when we plant pumpkins...Well, it's pumpin plantin' time!

We started earlier this week and hope to finish by the end of the weekend. Can't wait to see ORANGE!

But, that will be a while...anywhere between 90-120 days, depending on the variety.

So.........now we wait!

Spring Season

2010-04-24T09:30:00.000-07:00

We began our spring season with a great field trip. What fun having 27 lively, cute-as-bugs kindergartners from Garfield Elementary come to the farm! We watched chicks hatch and enjoyed the beautiful Spring day from a bouncing hayride through the timber.

Then the kids helped us plant pumpkins and pet baby ducks, turkeys, chicks, lambs and calves...Fun, fun, fun!!

Springtime Is Here At Last

2010-03-18T18:24:00.000-07:00

There is so much going on at the farm already as we prepare for spring. We have put together a great spring field trip for you and your group here at Hickory Creek Farms.
Starting April 1 through the end of the school year you are welcome to join us for a fun time on the farm.

If you are planning to visit us, plan on about 2 hours for the adventure that you will take, then add about another half hour if you want to bring a picnic lunch and eat at our picnic area.

So much fun is waiting for you if you come to Hickory Creek Farms this spring. There are baby animals to pet, hay wagons to ride, horse rides to take, woods to take a nature hike through...

and of course, our famous train ride.

We can't wait to see you soon...don't forget to bring your camera to take a picture of the good time that your class will have as they get outside after the long winter indoors!

Newest Additions

2010-02-03T12:49:00.000-08:00

With the coming of Spring, many new animals are making their appearance at Hickory Creek. Say hello and give a warm welcome to these wooly animals...twin siblings...Nibbles and Bits.
They are a great addition to the Farm Family and they can't wait to meet you this summer.

Of course, not to be shown up in his cuteness, is Boots...the new pony. He loves people and can't wait for this summer when he can show off.

We hope that you will come and make a special trip to see us and meet our newest additions.

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

2009-12-29T08:28:00.000-08:00

Pumpkin Trivia

2009-12-29T08:15:00.000-08:00

What do you do with 8 acres of leftover pumpkins after all the guests have found their perfect pumpkin and pumpkin season is over?

Answer:

Build an electric fence around the pumpkin patch and turn the cows out into them... YUMMM!!! They loved them and ate every last one!

This is the Zimmermans wishing you a very merry Christmas and a blessed 2010!!

Local Artists Active in Community Service

2009-10-01T09:13:00.000-07:00

Several art students from Girard High School (under the leadership of Nicole Meyer) accepted the challenge to paint "quilt boards for our clothesline" for a new photo op at Hickory Creek Farms just west of Pittsburg.

They did a terrific job!

(back row left to right): Meghan Friemel, Samantha Henderson, Sara Brauer

(front row left to right): Adela Milburn, Tori Stewart, Christina Biancarelli

(not pictured): Hayley James, Madalyn Smith, Jenna Cuthbertson, Miranda Evans, Sha Horton, and Grant Kelley.

We'd like to invite everyone out to Hickory Creek Farms corn maze and pumpkin patch to see their handiwork! For more information or directions, check out our website at www.hickorycreekfarms.com.

Havin' a Ball

2009-10-01T08:52:00.000-07:00

Pictures speak louder than words, right?
Well, here's proof that lots of folks had a great time this weekend at Hickory Creek Farms' corn maze and pumpkin patch.

The sunshine was WONDERFUL and little Ashley Richenburg, daughter of Kiesha Richenburg, says, "Havin' a ball!"

*We'd love to have you come out and see for yourself! What a great opportunity to get some one-on-one interviews and pics of happy people.
Love those smiles!!!

WELCOME

2009-09-03T10:23:00.000-07:00

We've been getting ready to welcome YOU to our Farm for our Fall season!

We open September 26th but you can call us to arrange for your group to enjoy some time out in the great outdoors NOW for a weiner roast/hayride/jaunt through the corn maze!

What a great opportunity for

a church picnic,

a fun youth group activity,

a birthday party

an employee get together

and a whole lot more!

Check out our website for prices at http://www.blogger.com/www.hickorycreekfarms.com.

Let The Juice Flow Through

2009-09-03T10:21:00.000-07:00

We've got watermelon. Come and pick your very own, right off the vine.

Trivia From The Farm

2009-09-03T10:15:00.000-07:00

What color is a pumpkin before it turns orange???

GREEN!

Newest Member

2009-09-03T10:12:00.000-07:00

We have a new addition to the Critter Corral.

THUMPER...

He is so excited to meet all of you and let you play with him.

Getting Ready...

2009-08-28T12:45:00.000-07:00

The gates to Hickory Creek Farm will be opening the last weekend of September. Before it is completely ready for guests like you, there are a few things that must be completed.

Check List:

-Corn Maze cut and ready...check

-Hickory Creek Express Barrel Train taken out of the barn and given a fresh coat of paint...check

-Check the punkin patch and look for the bits of orange that are starting to pop up...check

Yep, things are getting ready for the farm to open in just one month!

Checkers Mania

2009-08-05T09:26:00.000-07:00

A fun new game has been added to the plethera of other things to do on the farm. How about a fun game of checkers?!

A big log was cut up and then these two lovely ladies stained a checkerboard right onto the log so YOU could have fun playing checkers on the farm.

With these new giant size checker boards anyone can enjoy a rousing game of checkers.

Just grab a partner and check out the new checkerboards.

Pull up a chair and enjoy a quick game.

Potatoes in a sack...

2009-07-17T12:48:00.000-07:00

Lots of fun games can be played at Hickory Creeks Farms...

whether it's riding a horse double...

or getting up close and personal with a tractor...

maybe it's having fun in a potato sack...

...whatever it is...let your dreams soar and your imaginations run wild at Hickory Creek Farms.

Fun Times On The Farm

2009-07-17T12:34:00.000-07:00

There are so many fun things to do on the farm...

One of the fun things to do is to visit with the animals. There are so many to look at and pet. We have ducks, goats, donkeys, and sheep, just to name a few.

"Just a little 'sugar' from Sugar." Our two month old dairy goat named sugar loves seeing all the kids.

Loving spending time with the baby ducks.

Yeehaw...the donkey seems to be the perfect size to be ridden.
Not only do we have to feed the critters in the Critter Corral...they also get some play time!

It's Off To Work They Go

2009-07-12T14:26:00.000-07:00

Hickory Creek Farms offers lots of activities for those who want to come and hang out on the farm. These fun activities, however, take alot of getting ready before you can come out and enjoy them.
The first thing that needs to be done is to cut the corn for the corn maze. Steve works hard cutting out the design each year to make a maze in the corn for you to get lost in.

Picking your own pumpkin is another fun activity that is offered at Hickory Creek Farms. Pumpkins are planted at just the right time so there will be many shapes and sizes for you to chose from. Will, Mary, Ruth, and Sarah work hard weeding, planting, and hoeing the pumpkin patch.

Not only can you pick your own pumpkin...but you can also plant your own pumpkin. If you come in the spring you can plant your pumpkin. The Zimmerman's will water it and weed it so when you come back in the fall you can pick it. Some of the activities that are at Hickory Creek Farms include hay rides...

Jon and Drew help to stack the hay in the trailor so it can be pulled around for the hay ride.

...and nature hikes around the farm. There are beautiful sights to see and if you watch carefully you might even catch a glimpse of an animal or two.

Come and enjoy these great field trip and family activities!