More than 700 elementary school students from Santa Barbara County learned all about farming when they attended Kinderpatch, an event hosted by the Righetti High School Agriculture Department on Oct. 31.

Elementary School pupils pet a white-feathered chicken being held by a student at Righetti High School. (Courtesy photo)
Getting up close and personal with farm animals is part of the Kinderpatch experience at Righetti High School. (Courtesy photo)

Kinderpatch offered youngsters a chance to learn about plants, crops and animals, and enjoy agricultural-related activities including pumpkin games, a hay maze, and petting zoo.

“This is such a wonderful place for the children. I wish I had experienced this as a young girl,’’ said Robin Chavez, who was with her daughter Sandra, 5. Sandra described the atmosphere as “fun.”

The decades-old annual tradition offers FFA (Future Farmers of America) members an opportunity to perform community service. More than 200 Warrior FFA students were on hand to engage the young guests.

“Our Kinderpatch is highly anticipated every year by our students and community, and we look forward to being able to host this event on campus,” said Righetti agriculture teacher Amy Guerra. “It was a great success.’’