Calabasas Chamber kicks off Pumpkin Festival Western style

A kick-off mixer for the 11th annual Calabasas Pumpkin Festival, hosted by the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce, will run from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thurs., Sept. 18 at Acura 101 West, 24650 Calabasas Road, Calabasas.

During this special mixer, the festival’s famous mascot "Punky" will be hoisted to his rooftop patch.

A Pumpkin Festival kick-off luncheon is planned for 11:30 a.m. Thurs., Sept. 25 at Calabasas Inn, 23500 Park Sorrento, Calabasas.

Attendees are encouraged to wear Western attire and be prepared to participate in a pumpkin pie-eating contest. You can learn about involvement and sponsorship opportunities. The cost is $25 for members and $25 for nonmembers. RSVP with the Chamber office by calling (818) 222-5680.

This year the Pumpkin Festival is scheduled for Sat. and Sun., Oct. 18 and 19 at Paramount Ranch in Agoura. Numerous activities including crafts, climbing walls, pony rides, petting zoo, wilderness experiences and many more themed activities will be available, all for one price.

New this year will be a Calabasas Community Kids Arena featuring a multitude of small games for children 12 and under. It’s being sponsored in large part by the combined efforts of the local Calabasas business community.

For $250, a local area business can co-sponsor a game with another neighborhood business; full game sponsorships are $500.

For sponsorship information, please call Rae Lynn at (818) 707-4127.