What is the brief history of the Wuertz family and gourds?
The Wuertz family moved and started farming in the area in 1929. Waylon Wuertz is a fourth-generation farmer and started growing gourds right after college.
He met his wife Leah at a gourd patch and together they have grown the business into what it is today.
What is the Gourd Festival?
The Wuertz Farm Gourd Festival is a three-day event full of gourd vendors from near and far selling their gourd art and crafts, gourd classes, a judged gourd art competition hosted by the AZGS (Arizona Gourd Society), nonstop entertainment, food vendors and thousands of dried gourds for sale.
What is there to do for non-artists?
You don’t need to be an artist to enjoy this festival. Come admire, purchase and even get inspired to try your hand at the fun.
Is there food?
Yes, several food vendors will be there.
Is there entertainment?
Nonstop music by various groups as well as Polynesian dancers, Gourd Washington and “Flash” Gourden.
When is it and what does it cost?
Wuertz Farm Gourd Festival is Feb. 3, 4 and 5, 2023 at the Pinal Fairgrounds and Event Center, 512 11 Mile Corner, Casa Grande. Friday and Saturday it will run 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday the hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission is $12 for adults; kids 12 and younger are free.
Visit Wuertz Gourd Farm at www.wuertzfarm.com.
