You know fall has arrived in Bradenton, Fla., when the signs start popping up for Hunsader Farm’s annual pumpkin festival.

Welcoming the Fall Season

The farm opened its gates for the 33rd annual pumpkin festival that was held on Oct. 12-27, 2024, with the exception of the weekend Hurricane Milton hit Bradenton.

For the past five years, Parrish Community FFA has served its community and assisted Hunsader Farm by working in one of the festival’s Pepsi booths. Thanks to planning and organization from chapter advisors and Growing Leaders Committee Chairman Alex Ryherd, this year’s volunteers served cold refreshments, including Pepsi products, Gatorade and water, and promoted agriculture while representing their chapter. FFA members had the choice of working either the morning or afternoon shift on Saturdays and Sundays until the festival ended.

“My favorite part was getting to help the community and keeping everybody hydrated,” says Parrish Community FFA member Dillin Chartak.

In the past five years, the tradition of working the Pepsi booth has grown from a few volunteering members to now multiple members and their parents.

Serving the Community

Through their experiences at the festival, members have learned teamwork, responsibility, customer service and time management. These are skills members will take with them beyond working at the Pepsi booth, and they also had the opportunity to promote FFA to members of their community.

“My favorite part was helping people out during the hard times of the hot day,” says Parrish Community FFA member Joel Flores.

This act of community service officially kicked off the holiday season for Parrish Community FFA and showcases how this chapter is “Living to Serve.”