The Wuertz Farm Gourd Festival is an incredible annual event held at the Pinal Fairgrounds and Events Center. This will be the family’s 20th gourd festival; Feb. 3-5. It will feature over 100 amazing gourd vendors selling unique one-of-kind masterpieces crafted from this versatile fruit (a gourd). From crafty, to functional, to extreme fine art, you will see it all.
When you enter the fairgrounds, you are welcomed with a large display of whimsical and seasonal gourds. These displays are set out to provide ideas, photo opportunities and an overall bright start for what’s to come.
At the end of the displays, you will be welcomed into “Kindergourden,” an educational experience teaching you the ABC’s about gourds you probably didn’t know.
As you venture farther into the fairgrounds you will see the gourd shopping area which houses over 50,000 dried gourds. Here you will be able to look through over 30 different varieties of gourds and hand select the perfect gourds to purchase for your unique creations. Be sure to watch the ink and supply demonstrations in their white supply tent. They sell inks, dyes, tools and Gourd Honey.
As you shop for gourds you will start to smell the aroma of the many food vendors that are there to provide you with their culinary treats.
Next, take a stroll through Building No. 2 which holds a judged gourd competition hosted by the Arizona Gourd Society. Artists enter their gourd art into an array of categories to be judged and awarded ribbons. The Arizona Gourd Society also offers various chances of winning a piece of art. You can also have a say in the judging by voting for the “people’s choice” award.
In the vendor building you will find row after row of vendors selling their amazing masterpieces. You will see artwork ranging from a few dollars, all the way up to several thousand dollars. From crafty to extreme fine art, you will see it all. This isn’t your average craft/art show. All vendors have to be 90% gourd art or supplies that can be used on gourds.
Throughout the festival you will also be entertained by an array of entertainers such as musicians, “Gourd Washington” on his noble steed, Polynesian dancers, “Flash Gourden”, photo opportunities and a
“Ragourda” boat race to show off your well pumping skills.
Saturday afternoon is a special time at the festival as we have the Gourdster Race. This race features miniature cars made from gourds that resemble the pinewood derby races that boy scouts have. This race is fun and comical and also has a prize of $100 to the fastest gourd car. Cash prizes are also awarded to 2nd and 3rd place winners. Car kits are purchased from Wuertz Gourd farm prior to the race and built before the festival begins. The race is sponsored by the Kenworthy Team – RE/MAX A Bar Z Realty.
Gourd classes are also offered. Classes are scheduled during all three days of the festival as well as the Thursday before the festival begins. In these classes you can learn the techniques needed to work on gourds. Registration begins online around the middle of December at
www.wuertzfarm.com. Check our website as some classes may still have spaces available.
Have a question? We are here to help! Email: wuertzfarm@wuertzfarm.com www.wuertzfarm.com
