Pumpkin Fantasyland

Pumpkin Fantasyland is a family-oriented fall festival held at Fashion Farm in Ligonier, Indiana, from October 1 to October 31, 2025, celebrating over 50 years of tradition. It features artistic displays made from pumpkins, gourds, and squash that form well-known characters and historical scenes. The event offers a variety of activities such as hay wagon rides, horse wagon rides, mazes (grass maze and straw maze), a corn pit, a family activity center, and the Super Mega Ride-N-Slide, making it a vibrant, immersive autumn entertainment experience suitable for all ages.

Fashion Farm itself is a multi-generational family farm founded in 1959 by Charles "Charlie Pumpkin" Williams, who started with a market selling milk, eggs, and produce. Charlie innovated by using pumpkins to attract visitors, turning it into an annual tradition starting in 1972 with the first Pumpkin Fantasyland. The farm expanded after a 1974 tornado destroyed the original cattle and barns, evolving into a larger family entertainment venue including a restaurant and garden market. The Pumpkin Fantasyland event has been a beloved cultural and heritage celebration in Noble County for five decades.

The 2025 Pumpkin Fantasyland will be the final season of the event, as the owners plan to sell the property and retire. Unfortunately, in 2025 shortly before the event, a fire damaged the restaurant portion of the farm, forcing an early retirement of the restaurant but not stopping the Pumpkin Fantasyland celebration from proceeding.

Event Details and Activities:

• Open daily during October from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Admission fees: $13 on weekdays, $15 on weekends; $4 for the Pumpkin Fantasyland area; children under 2 free.
• Super Mega Ride-N-Slide available Friday afternoons, Saturdays, and Sundays for $5 (minimum 42" height required).
• Activities:
  • Hay wagon rides and horse wagon rides
  • Grass and straw mazes
  • Corn pit for children
  • Family activity center with various games and hands-on experiences
  • Super Mega Ride-N-Slide for thrill seekers
  • Artistic pumpkin displays depicting characters like Snoopy and historical scenes
  • Refreshments and fall-themed treats

Surrounding Area and Vibe:
Fashion Farm is located at 1680 Lincolnway West in Ligonier, a rural community in Noble County known for its agricultural heritage and family-friendly attractions. The farm setting offers a warm, nostalgic, and festive fall atmosphere, combining agricultural roots with creative pumpkin artistry. The event draws families and visitors looking for wholesome seasonal entertainment, connecting local tradition with community celebration.

History and Founding:

• Founded by Charles Williams in 1959 as a working farm and roadside market.
• "Pumpkin Fantasyland" started in 1972 as creative pumpkin displays attracting customers.
• Evolved through resilience—survived a 1974 tornado and grew into a full-scale entertainment venue with landscape gardens and a restaurant.
• Operated by the Williams family across generations, expanding to include floral and landscaping services.
• 2025 marks the 53rd and final year of this beloved fall festival.

Schedule Overview (Typical daily offerings during October):

• 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. open hours
• Hay wagon and horse wagon rides—available throughout the open hours
• Mazes (grass and straw), corn pit, and family activity center—open all day
• Super Mega Ride-N-Slide—Friday afternoons, Saturdays, Sundays
• Pumpkin Fantasyland maze and displays—open all day
• Refreshments—available at onsite concessions during open hours

Fashion Farm remains handicap accessible with parking and seating accommodations, making it inclusive for all visitors. Despite the recent fire damage to the restaurant, the farm and Pumpkin Fantasyland will continue as planned for the 2025 final season, providing a cherished farewell to this longstanding family and community tradition.