Entertainment
Entertainment Overview
The entertainment sector of agritourism in Utah includes many varied activities from harvest festivals and petting zoos to event venue rental for weddings and photo sessions to hosting an art or music festival and even includes culinary experiences like wine tastings and farm to fork dinners.
Providing entertainment on your property can raise awareness of your farm, products, and story, attracting new customers which can directly boost sales of seasonal crops or value-added products. Providing a space for folks to gather also fosters connections with the local community and builds goodwill. Inviting so many people to gather on your property for entertainment may require investment in infrastructure, marketing, and staffing and will absolutely require managing crowds, parking, sanitation, and safety.
Entertainment Success Story | Gordo's Fun Farm | Spanish Fork, UT
Located in Lakeshore, Utah, Gordon Family Farm is a multi-generational operation with deep agricultural roots dating back to the early 1900s. Originally a dairy farm, the family transitioned to produce in 1975 and now cultivates around 90 acres of fresh fruits and vegetables. In 2020, facing the financial challenges common to small-scale farms, the Gordon family, led by Brady Gordon, the oldest grandson turned to agritourism as a way to sustain their legacy.
The shift brought new life to the farm, with 4 acres now dedicated to a pumpkin patch, corn maze, and other attractions, including a unique parent-powered mini roller coaster. The transition wasn’t without challenges. Early efforts were focused on navigating permits, insurance requirements, and building safe, engaging attractions. However, the family's commitment to offering a genuine small-town farm experience quickly set them apart. Their hands-on, family-run approach resonates strongly with visitors, many of whom return year after year. For the Gordons, success is measured not just in revenue, but in the opportunities they create for families to learn about agriculture and build lasting memories in a rural setting.
Key Takeaway: Preserve your farm’s heritage, embrace new opportunities like agritourism, and focus on building meaningful connections through genuine, family-driven experiences.