Old Sycamore Farm opens for family fun

Posted: Tuesday, September 22, 2009 4:30 pm | Updated: 4:31 pm, Tue Sep 22, 2009.

By Peter Adelsen Perspective staff writer padelsen@kokomoperspective.com | 0 comments

Posted on September 22, 2009

* padelsen

by Peter Adelsen

There is a place for a fright or just for a good time in western Howard County. The Old Sycamore Farm, 6702 W. 00 NS, opened Sunday and runs through Oct. 31.

Five years ago, the Old Sycamore Farm began with its haunted barn. Three years ago, it began its pumpkin patch. Today it has much more to offer with all kinds of fun and game activities, owner Jake Lipinski said.

"Last year we had about 6,000 people come out," he said. "We will do 25 school field trips this year. We try to make it as affordable as possible for everyone and we let people spend as much time as they want on the farm."

The farm is now open, but some activities begin at a later date. The pumpkin patch opens Friday and the haunted barn opens Oct. 3 and is only available on Friday and Saturday evenings in October. For those who have not been to the farm, or have been there, much is new this year.

"We now have a pumpkin catapult," he said. "The large trebuchet swings pumpkins 70 yards into the air."

The trebuchet is only available on Saturdays, he said.

Also new this year is "The Old Sycamore Mining Company" gem sluice, a process of sifting the sand away from the gems in water.

"I ordered real polished gemstones and 24-karat gold flakes and mixed them into one pound bags of sand," he said. "Every kid is guaranteed at least 10 gems. The kids will also learn the history of gold prospecting and gold panning in American history."

Because Lipinski is a Kokomo firefighter, he is also offering something new this year for kids. On select Saturdays, he is offering fire safety education for children. He said for information on when this is held to check out the Old Sycamore Farm Web site at OldSycamoreFarm.com.

Lipinski said there are also pig races that only occur on Saturdays. The pigs race down and back for an Oreo cookie, he said.

Other activities include hay rides every hour, a cow milking station, hay bale maze, pony rides, candle dipping, petting zoo, rubber duck races and many others.

The Old Sycamore Farm also has a country store with crafts and home made candles, as well as hot apple cider, hot chocolate, fudge and popcorn is available.

There are many photo opportunities around the farm, he said. One such place is the framed house made of real pumpkins.

On Friday and Saturday evenings in October, the haunted barn is open for those who want a fright. Before going into the barn, the group sits around a campfire to hear a ghost story about why it is haunted, he said.

The farm hours are Monday through Friday noon to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday noon to 6 p.m. The haunted barn hours are Fridays and Saturdays in October from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Prices at the farm range from $1 to $5 and the haunted barn admission is $8 for adults and $6 for children 12 years old and younger.

For more information about the farm check out the Old Sycamore Farm Web site at OldSycamoreFarm.com.

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