Families enjoy a pumpkin patch at Joe Smith Farms for their 11th Annual Family Fun Day. The free event took place on Saturday, October 5 and included a petting zoo, food, games and train rides. (Jessica T. Payne/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

JACKSONVILLE — Joe Smith Farms and Garden Center in Jacksonville kicked off the fall season with its 11th Annual Family Fun Day. The Saturday event invited visitors to come out in their best Halloween costumes for an afternoon of family fun.

Activities included face painting, pony rides, games, a petting zoo, candy, hay and train rides, a pumpkin patch and door prizes. Rusk photographer Heather Beck was on hand to offer fall mini photo sessions with festive pumpkins of all colors and other fall settings. Entertainment was provided by Boogie Butt Productions.

Owner Betty Lou Smith said she and her husband, Joe Smith, originally started the event for their grandchildren.

“At the time there wasn’t anything in Jacksonville like it for families to do together around this time of year,” she said. “So, we actually started the event for them, but it has consistently grown each year and has become something we enjoy doing to give back to the community.”

Joe Smith Farms employees volunteer their time to help put on the event along with local churches. Sale Barn Cowboy Church donated the food for the event and was there to cook and serve guests.

Joe Smith Farms and Garden Center is a family-owned and operated greenhouse business established in 1975. They offer a wide variety of products and services including plants and flowers, produce, assistance with flower bed arrangements and landscaping. They are located 4 miles east of Jacksonville.