FOLSOM—There are few places in the region where time seems to stand still, where the changing of the seasons can be measured not by calendars but by the return of a familiar ritual. In Folsom, that place is Zittel Farms. Each autumn, when the air turns crisp and the days shorten, the corner of Oak Avenue and Folsom-Auburn Road comes alive with the colors of fall.
Such was the case this past weekend, as the beloved family-owned farm officially opened its gates for its 49th pumpkin pickin’ season, inviting families to step into a tradition that has been part of the city’s heart and soul since 1976. Shortly after those gates were open, the unique arm in the heart of the city was again bustling with visitors of all ages.
The story of Zittel Farms is one of family, community, and continuity. For nearly five decades, the pumpkin patch has been a rite of passage for Folsom residents. What began as a simple farm offering pumpkins at fair prices has grown into a landmark where childhood memories are made, revisited, and renewed. Many of today’s parents remember their own parents tugging wagons through the patch, and now return with children of their own to capture new generations of smiles among the rows of gourds.
The farm is stocked with pumpkins of every shape and size, from giants perfect for a Halloween centerpiece to miniature varieties ideal for decoration. Beyond the pumpkins, the experience of Zittel Farms is what sets it apart. Families stroll through the grounds to the sound of crunching leaves and the laughter of children. Youngsters delight in hay rides and in greeting the resident farm animals—from horses to goats and the ever-popular Billy the cow. Inside the barn, shelves brim with local honey, craft preserves, dried lavender, and sweet treats like kettle corn, each item reflecting the Zittels’ ongoing commitment to local tradition and simple pleasures.
The Zittel family’s story is woven into every corner of the farm. Roger Zittel grew up on a seventh-generation vegetable farm outside Buffalo, New York, before moving west and settling in Folsom during the 1970s, when the town had fewer than 5,000 residents and just a single stop sign. He often recalls those early days fondly, a time when everyone knew each other and the pace of life was slower. His wife, Gail, shared that same dedication to the city, serving on the Folsom Planning Commission for seven years, helping shape the General Plan that guided decades of growth. Together, they gave as much to the community as they did to the farm, with Roger serving as the first manager of the Folsom Chamber of Commerce and co-founding the Folsom Athletic Association, while both played a role in the city’s Parks & Recreation Department. Their contributions have been so widely felt that the Historic Folsom Amphitheater bears the Zittel name in recognition of their service.
At the farm itself, those values have always been evident. From the beginning, Roger and Gail made it a point to keep prices fair so that every family could enjoy the experience. Nearly half a century later, that promise continues, carried on by the younger generations of the Zittel family who now handle the heavy lifting while Roger and Gail remain a part of the farm’s personality, the patriarchs of the farm are still known for greeting visitors, telling stories, and sharing in the joy that each season brings.
The antiques scattered across the property add yet another layer of charm. Roger and Gail’s passion for Amish antiques has made Zittel Farms as much a gallery of rustic Americana as it is a pumpkin patch. Treasures like the Cinderella wagon and the sheepherder’s wagon have delighted children for decades, serving as beloved photo backdrops for family portraits that span generations. These relics connect the present to the past, a reminder that Zittel Farms is as much about history as it is about harvest.
Though October is pumpkin season, Zittel Farms remains part of Folsom’s holiday calendar beyond Halloween. As Thanksgiving approaches, the farm seamlessly transforms into a Christmas tree lot, once again bringing families together to carry on traditions that stretch from fall into winter. Whether it’s pumpkins in October or Christmas trees in December, the Zittel family has created a place where community and celebration go hand in hand.
Zittel Farms is located at 6781 Oak Ave. in Folsom. It is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and closed Mondays. The farm will remain open through Halloween, giving families plenty of time to find their pumpkins, take their hay rides, and make their memories. For more information, visit www.zittelfarms.com.
In a city that has grown and changed dramatically over the past half-century, Zittel Farms stands as a reminder of what endures. It is a tradition that has carried through generations, a place where fall comes alive year after year, and a local favorite that remains at the heart of what makes Folsom feel like home.
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