As the leaves turn shades of gold and the air is crisp with the smell of autumn, pumpkins take center stage, reigning as one of the most enduring symbols of fall.
Bob Faulkner and his children Matt and Christine have built a business of hosting western themed events, with pumpkin season as the crown jewel. October is the magical time of year when Faulkner’s Ranch, a private event venue, swings open the gates and invites the public to celebrate their annual Pumpkin Fest. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the celebration.
Christine Faulkner tells the story of getting a call from her dad while she was at the University of Missouri in the late 90s. “He said, ‘I think if we grow pumpkins and set them up nicely, families will come out and pick them and have an experience. It’s called agritainment. We can make something of this.’ My dad planted those seeds, literally and figuratively. By the time I graduated, we were ready to intentionally build what he envisioned.”
For ten years they operated out of their family farm at the corner of Chipman Road and View High Drive. In 2008 they took a leap and moved Faulkner’s Ranch to its current location just south of I-470 on Raytown Road.
Over the past two and a half decades, agritainment has been the focus. Christine says, “We try to hit all the elements: food, beverages, education, entertainment. Our job is to make this a fun, comfortable experience. That’s hospitality—trying to see beyond the needs and being prepared to make our guests feel really welcomed.”
A visit to Faulkner’s is an immersive journey into the heart of autumn. Christine outlines a typical visit, “Guests start their experience with the petting farm. There is something so joyful about people and animals together. The family play area is where we pull out all the bells and whistles for pumpkin season. There are 30-plus activities included with admission, and a few optional attractions to complement your experience.” She notes that while there is a full selection of locally grown pumpkins to purchase, picking pumpkins from the patch is reserved for school field trips only. Faulkner’s also offers a selection of food and drink, including the wildly popular pumpkin spiced donuts.
“We are a family-run business. Today my dad, my brother and I are partners in the daily operations, but Matt and I really learned hospitality from our parents,” says Christine.
Under the umbrella of Ranch Entertainment Inc, the Faulkners have long been producing events. Bob got his start in his family’s western wear store, which led to a partnership with Benjamin Ranch. When the store closed, Bob and his wife Marilyn would lease Benjamin Ranch to produce events. This is where Bob and Marilyn fine-tuned their natural hosting skills and developed their innovative concept for team building known as Ranch Chores.
These days, Bob has found his place in the kitchen. “He has always loved to feed people,” says Christine. “He smokes all of our meats, and he is the donut maker extraordinaire!”
Fun at Faulkner’s is not reserved just for the guests. Everyone who works at Faulkner's Ranch is treated like family. It takes about 140 employees to run Pumpkin Fest during October.
Christine is dedicated to job creation and development, something that was also important to her mother Marilyn, who passed away in 2021. “Since my mom died, my passion is continuing her legacy of leading with love. I watched her always put special cherries on top of everything around here for the employees,” Christine shares. “I am now making the time to do more special touches like she did.”
Not inclined to be complacent, the Faulkner team is always looking for new adventures. Last year they launched a pop-up bar called Jolly, modeled to feel like a Hallmark Christmas movie meets a Nashville honky-tonk. Christine teases of plans for even more expansion next year.
Bob, Matt and Christine are all quick with a smile and a warm ‘hello.’ Every guest is welcomed not just as a visitor but as a cherished part of Faulkner’s story. Christine sums it up by saying, “There is something magical about this place to me, and I think to others that keeps them coming back. It’s a vibe—a safe, wholesome, step-back-in-time place for families and friends.”
For more information on Faulkner’s Ranch or to purchase tickets to Pumpkin Fest, please go to www.faulknersranch.com.