Passing the Torch at Lattin Farms Growing Food and Family Fun

For nearly five decades, Lattin Farms has been a cornerstone of the valley, welcoming generations of Nevadans to experience the simple pleasures of farm life. What began in the 1970s, when Rick and B. Ann Lattin first sold their fresh produce from their farm stand, has blossomed into a cherished community tradition. Now, after 27 years of hosting their famous Fall Festival, the Lattins are passing the torch to the next generation.

Lisa Lattin Voigtlaender and her husband Ryan have taken on the significant responsibility of stepping into Rick's shoes following his retirement. The transition, while exciting, hasn't been without its challenges.

"It's a lot," Lisa admits. "Dad's done a lot of work and he's built great things here. At first it felt overwhelming, but he's built so many bridges in the community that I can reach out if I have questions. I'm learning."

Ryan is an employee of the Foreign Service, and his job has taken the couple and their three children around the globe. The couple returned to Fallon in 2023 for one month, just to help with the Fall Festival, but Lisa decided to stay. She is eager to carry on the traditions Rick has built, and to start new ones herself.

While Lisa is committed to maintaining the farm's beloved traditions, she envisions expanding the experience beyond the big festival days. Her dream is simple yet profound: she wants people to come out and visit the farm, sit at a table in the shade of an ivy-wrapped tree, and connect with their neighbors. She has ideas sprouting all the time, but first comes the most important event of the year – Fall Festival.

This year's Fall Festival kicked off last Saturday and continues on October 4, 11, 18, 24, and 25, with the farm opening its gates at 10 a.m. each day. The popular Pumpkin Tower will be lit towards dusk on Oct. 18. Visitors can enjoy all the classic favorites that have made this event special for nearly three decades: Hay rides, pumpkin picking, the scarecrow factory, the eclectic craft fair, and the corn maze – this year's theme is "Bats!"

The corn maze itself is a story of evolution and efficiency. Lisa recalls their first maze in 1998, when cutting corn stalks with machetes and hauling them out by hand was a week's worth of work by several people. Today, a professional maze company completes the same task in just hours using GPS-guided equipment – a perfect example of how tradition and technology can work hand in hand.

The High Desert Grange brightens the festival atmosphere with their reptile display and their popular Goat Days event, creating educational opportunities alongside the entertainment.

No festival would be complete without delicious food, and Lattin Farms delivers with smoked pork, hot dogs, and seasonal favorites like pumpkin pies and pumpkin rolls. Lisa's aunt, visiting from Utah, has been busy baking homemade goods for the festival, while B. Ann continues to lend her helping hands in every aspect of the farm. 

Individual tickets for the corn maze run $10.08 per person, a hay wagon ride and one pumpkin from the pumpkin patch is $9.05 per person, and a combo ticket for both events runs $15.23 per person.

As Lisa settles into her new role, the future of Lattin Farms looks bright. The flame of community spirit that Rick and B. Ann kindled continues to burn brightly, now tended by hands ready to nurture it for the next generation of residents and visitors alike. With deep roots in tradition and fresh ideas for growth, the farm will continue to serve as a gathering place where families create memories, neighbors reconnect, and the simple joys of rural life are celebrated.

For more information or to buy tickets, please visit lattinfarms.com.

Editor’s Note: Reporter Christy Lattin is not associated with Lattin Farms.