The impending autumn brings new rides and food to Vala’s Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard. The popular family attraction east of Gretna opened for the season this weekend.

The pumpkins are still a couple of weeks away from being picked. But that didn’t stop season-pass holders Friday from descending upon Vala’s, which co-owner Kirsten Vala Fong described as an “agritainment” park, and grabbing farm-fresh full meals and savory bites to eat between the rides and apple-picking.

New to Vala’s this year are two rides. Apple Swing Ride is a family-friendly carousel swing that offers its riders thrills and expansive views of Vala’s 45-acre apple orchard, which contains around 45,000 apple trees.

“The kids love it. The parents love it. My dad even rode it so the grandparents love it,” Fong said.

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