Pumpkin decorating bonanza set for Felton market
Felton Farmers’ Market will host its annual Pumpkin Decorating Bonanza from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13.
The free event will feature pumpkin decorating, face painting, live music and a photo booth. Children and adults can pick out a free pumpkin from Rodoni Farms and decorate it with vegetables, string, pipe cleaners, buttons and googly eyes.
Santa Cruz Public Libraries and Kermit the Bike Mobile will host a market hunt, where participants can learn about food, talk with farmers and enter to win a prize from Companion Bakeshop. A golden pumpkin hunt also will offer a chance to win prizes from The Penny Ice Creamery.
Chef Jessica Yarr of The Grove in Felton will lead a free fall-themed workshop from 3 to 4 p.m.
Felton Farmers’ Market, a seasonal market that has operated for more than 35 years, runs through Oct. 27. The market features regional produce, eggs, fish, meats, flowers and food from local artisans.
For more information, visit santacruzfarmersmarket.org or contact Nicole Zahm at ed*******@********************et.org.
County brings voter services and family activities to libraries
Santa Cruz County Clerk/Elections Office will bring voter services and family activities to local libraries throughout October ahead of the Nov. 3 General Election.
The Ballots & Books program will provide residents with opportunities to register to vote, drop off completed ballots, obtain replacement ballots and vote using an accessible ballot. Elections staff also will be available to answer questions and provide information about voting. Children’s activities will give families an opportunity to learn about elections together.
Ballots & Books events will be held Oct. 15 from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Boulder Creek Library; Oct. 16 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Capitola Library; Oct. 17 from noon to 4 p.m. at Watsonville Library and Freedom Branch Library; Oct. 21 from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Santa Cruz Downtown Library; Oct. 23 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Branciforte Library; Oct. 24 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Aptos Library; and Oct. 26 from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Live Oak Library.
The Elections Office also will host Family Democracy Day on Oct. 17 from noon to 3:30 p.m. at the Watsonville Public Library, Simpkins Family Center in Santa Cruz and Felton Library. The free event is designed to provide families with interactive activities focused on elections and civic participation.
For more information, visit votescount.santacruzcountyca.gov or call 831-454-2060.
Strawberries drive increase in Santa Cruz County crop values
The gross production value of agricultural commodities in Santa Cruz County increased 2.8% in 2025 to an estimated $762.96 million, according to the Santa Cruz County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office.
Strawberries remained the county’s highest-value crop at $278.9 million, up about 27% from 2024. Growers harvested 108,930 tons of strawberries, compared with 87,570 tons the previous year, while planted acreage increased from 2,640 to 2,730 acres.
Together, strawberries, blackberries and raspberries generated $490.3 million, or about 64% of the county’s total crop value.
“Strawberries had an exceptionally strong year, but the report also shows how much conditions can vary from crop to crop,” Agricultural Commissioner David Sanford said. “These figures reflect what growers produced and its estimated gross value, and do not account for the substantial costs of growing, harvesting and bringing products to market.”
Nursery crops, including nursery stock, cut flowers and cut greens, totaled $153.8 million, down 5.3% from 2024. Vegetable crops totaled $82.5 million, a 15.8% decrease. Broccoli increased from $5 million to $8.3 million, while Brussels sprouts rose from $8.9 million to $10.3 million. Lettuce and miscellaneous vegetables declined.
Apple production reached $14 million, up from $13.3 million in 2024. Poultry, livestock and animal products increased 23.5% to $11.8 million. The value of organic production increased slightly to $143.9 million from $142.6 million in 2024, while the number of registered organic operations increased from 138 to 146.
The crop report’s figures represent estimated gross production values, not growers’ profits. They do not account for expenses such as labor, irrigation, transportation and marketing or agriculture’s broader contribution to the local economy.
The full 2025 Crop Report is available in English and Spanish at agdept.com.
