PHOENIX - Arizona Game and Fish Commissioner Norm Freeman, as part of his annual Pumpkin Festival, has opened his farm in Chino Valley to host a variety of free Arizona Game and Fish Department educational events on the weekends of October, or "pumpkin season."

The main event will be Saturday, Oct 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Freeman Farms, 1096 E. Road 3 South, Chino Valley, Ariz. (north of Prescott). Families are invited to come and learn more about outdoor opportunities in Arizona and how you and your kids can get involved.

Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center will host educational programs about native wildlife and give you an opportunity to see some of these native species up close.

The Hunter Education staff and volunteers will be there to answer questions about hunter education programs for the young and young at heart. They will also provide information about other learning opportunities that they present throughout the year.

Learn hands-on about archery and archery safety, and try to hit the bull's eye with some bow and arrow target practice.

See the new off-highway vehicle trailer and learn about the new rules and regulations affecting all OHV use in Arizona.

Head out to the ponds and learn about boating safety, and actually get some hands-on canoeing experience.

Meet top Arizona angler and fish-story teller, Rory Aikens. Then join him as he teaches the best way to rig your line and bait, the correct way to use lures, and how to cast, and then you'll understand what catching fish is all about.

There will be other events at the farm on Oct. 4, 11 and 25 featuring live wildlife from Falconers and/or the Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center.

Parking, pumpkin patch admission and the Game and Fish educational events are FREE!

There are other activities available for a fee. A hay ride, mini-corn maze, horse presentations and petting zoo are available for one admission price of $10 for one adult and one child. Additional children are $5 per child. Proceeds are used to offset operational costs associated with the event.

Directions to the farm: From I-40, go south on Highway 89 from Ash Fork to Chino Valley. Continue through town to Road 3 South. Turn left on Road 3 South to Freeman Farms.

From I-17, exit on Highway 69 to Prescott. Continue through Dewey. Turn right on Fain Road (will turn into 89A) and stay on it until you reach Highway 89. Turn right and continue into Chino Valley. Look for Road 3 South (and signs). Turn right on Road 3 South to Freeman Farms.