Gourd Times

THUR 10/16

JOE ROCCO

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More About

• Florida Marlins
• Chicago Cubs
• Wrigley Field
• Christopher Markovich
• Victor Cruz

In 1945 the Chicago Cubs were jinxed with the Curse of the Billy Goat. A fan miffed because his goateed pet was refused entry into the ballpark told the press that there would never be another World Series played in Wrigley Field. This year it fell on our Marlins to preserve that sour grape of a claim. Now that goats are back in style, it might be a good idea to let your kid (ha!) pet and even milk one of these hoofed bleaters. The Little Farm's annual Pumpkin Patch offers an opportunity, plus scarecrow making, calabasa carving, pony riding, and chilling with 170 animals. Every time you buy a pumpkin, your child gets a free pony ride; proceeds go to help Christopher Markovich, a Miami youth recovering from a near-drowning accident. The Redland farm has been around since the mid-'70s under different ownership and in different locales. Hurricane Andrew nearly destroyed it, hitting 8 days after the farm got USDA-certified. Owners Valerie and Thomas Jornlid didn't have an ark, but the 10-acre compound, temporarily leveled, survived the windy onslaught, reopening in 1993. -- By Victor Cruz

The Little Farm's Pumpkin Patch, 22400 SW 134th Ave, is open 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday through Friday, October 31. Admission is free. Call 305-258-3186. Minor Slam

Juniors vie for tennis glory

SAT 10/18

Although they won't be competing for huge cash prizes, local tennis juniors will be giving it their all this weekend on the courts of the Salvadore Tennis Center (1120 Andalusia Ave., Coral Gables) as the state branch of the USTA hosts a regional competition for 10-, 12-, and 14-year-olds. Top-ranked Miamians Ryan Kim and Keely Mulligan may be slicing and slamming their ways to the top of the Florida rankings. Play is limited to USTA members, but you can join at the event, running from 8:00 a.m. today through Monday, October 20. Registering to play costs $25. Watching is free. Call 305-460-5333. -- By Juan Carlos Rodriguez