FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — Nestled in the foothills of Fresno County, you can find a labor of love that serves as a celebration of family and agriculture.
“There’s basically a pumpkin for every walk of life,” says Poncho’s Pumpkin Patch co-owner, Brian Bogdanich.
For a second year, Poncho’s Pumpkin Patch, located off Quail Oak Road in Auberry, is welcoming families for a $5 u-pick experience.
At the helm of the family-run operation are Brian and Mary Bogdanich.
“Any pumpkin anywhere on the property is $5 a pumpkin, no matter how big it is,” Brian said.
“Munchkins are the tiny little ones — those are 3 for $5,” Mary said.
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That $5 helps with infrastructure and upkeep. Brian says there is no profit — this is a way to give back to the community.
“If you don’t make any money, it takes the pressure off, and it’s a lot of fun to do this for the community,” he said. “We’re going to do this as long as the land will allow us to do it.”
The retired contractor turned farmer says it started as a 100×100-foot patch.
“I’ve always been intrigued by farmers and the good things they do, especially in the Central Valley,” he said.
As for the namesake, meet Poncho!
“Kids can feed carrots to them, and we don’t charge for the carrots either,” Mary said. “It warms my heart when my horse is so kind to little kids.”
“You cut them right on the vine, so they’ll last longer for you, and you get the experience of going out there and getting them,” Brian said.
In addition to u-pick and time with poncho, you can pack a picnic and enjoy the day with your family.
“I’m not doing this to make money,” Brian said. “I’m doing this to be able to grow the best pumpkin I have and give back to the neighborhood.”
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