(COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.) — Venetucci Farms will begin its annual giveaway of pumpkins to thousands of children.

Starting Friday, Oct. 4, the farm located at 5210 S. U.S. Highway 85 will open its field and give free pumpkins to kindergarteners throughout the Pikes Peak Region. Venetucci Farms plans to give away more than 1,500 free pumpkins.

Although the farm is no longer able to grow vegetables due to water restrictions, Venetucci Farm purchased pumpkins from Millberger Farms in Pueblo to continue the tradition. The giveaway began more than 50 years ago by Nick and Bambi Venetucci, and in 2019, Pikes Peak Real Estate Foundation took over management of the farm to ensure the land is protected and the pumpkin giveaway continues to honor both Nick and Bambi after passing.

“Pikes Peak Real Estate Foundation is pleased to honor the longstanding legacy of Nick and Bambi Venetucci by giving away free pumpkins to kindergarteners this fall,” said Sam Clark, Executive Director of Pikes Peak Real Estate Foundation. “Nick was a farmer and Bambi a teacher at the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind, and she herself was blind. We are proud to bring their wishes to life, by partnering the farm and educational experience, as we welcome pumpkin enthusiasts to the property, many of them third-generation visitors to Venetucci Farm. Nick and Bambi never saw the Farm as their own, it belongs to all of us.”

Each student will receive a pumpkin and Catamount Institute’s standards-based science curriculum including a lesson on planting seeds and growing vegetables.

The event will occur every Friday and Monday until Monday, Oct. 27.