Riding on wooden ponies, children race through a course flanked by orange and white pumpkins. (Righetti High School)
Riding on wooden ponies, children race through a course flanked by autumn pumpkins. (Righetti High School)

More than 800 kindergarteners from countywide elementary schools, had a chance to learn about plants, crops and animals during Righetti High School Agriculture Department’s Kinderpatch event, Oct. 30.

Some 200 volunteers helped out at the Kinderpatch event, which included a petting zoo with soft sheep for kids to touch. (Righetti High photo)
Some 200 volunteers helped out at the Kinderpatch event, which included a petting zoo with soft sheep for kids to touch. (Righetti High photo)

The youngsters enjoyed pumpkin games, tractor driving, bowling and cattle roping, a livestock petting corral, and transplanting station.

The annual tradition, which has been operating for more than 30 years, offers FFA members an opportunity to perform community service. More than 200 volunteers participated this year.

“The Righetti FFA Kinderpatch has been a cherished tradition, bringing generations together through agriculture and hands-on learning,” said Amy Guerra, FFA advisor and ag teacher. “This event provides our high school agriculture students with the opportunity to grow as leaders, mentors, and role models.

“Through engaging activities, Kinderpatch introduces young learners to the diverse industries and educational pathways within agriculture. From pumpkins grown by our students to interactive learning experiences, every aspect of Kinderpatch reflects the hard work, creativity, and dedication of our FFA program.

“Most importantly, it allows our students to take pride in giving back to their community while planting the seeds of curiosity and appreciation for agriculture in the next generation,” Guerra said.