Throngs of area residents stopped at Norm’s Farm Market for the annual Fall Festival over the weekend, braving strong winds for the chance to pick a pumpkin, try some food and visit one of the many vendors who were in attendance.

“Grandpa (Norm) loved to see the kids pick their own pumpkins, and see how excited they would get with big smiles on their faces,” Granddaughter and Fall Festival organizer Stacey Johnson says.  “It’s a fun, free event for the community to come and enjoy the different activities.”

Johnson says they try to add new attractions each year, and this year did not disappoint.  While there were still rows and rows of pumpkins and the bouncy house, this year’s offerings included a hayride scavenger hunt, large tractor tire corn pits, a petting zoo (courtesy of 4-H), and several vendors who offered their products for sale.

Food vendors included Pizza Depot and Ellis Bakery, while artisans included: Edgewood Creations, Elk River’s Edge Creations, Subzero Sweets and Treats, Lullaby Lane, All Star Embroidery and Boga.  Even the Boy Scouts Troop 92 were on hand to help celebrate the fall season.

The Farm Friends Barn helped sponsor the hay rides and scavenger hunt.

The event went on despite the recent passing of Norm Johnson, the farm market’s namesake, as Stacey noted a full house for event was exactly what her grandpa would have wanted to see.