The beginning

It all started in the 1950’s when Bud and Mary Faulkner began teaching square and round dancing lessons.They taught so many people that there was an actual shortage of square dance apparel in the Kansas City area! That’s when Bud found a location for Kansas City’s first square dance apparel store!

Grand opening of the Western wear store

The family expanded the business to accommodate the needs of the cowboys at the nearby Benjamin Stables and Faulkner’s Western Wear was launched.  For the next 35 years they sold cowboy boots, hats, riding apparel, saddles, tack, and other horse-related supplies. The store was more than just a business however, it was a place where their children and grandchildren would learn about the joy of providing quality service and a hospitable experience to those in their community.

Bob Faulkner became known as “the hat doctor” for his ability to custom shape  cowboy hats for customers.

Benjamin Ranch

However, in 1986, despite a deep love for the store, the decision was made to go in a new direction and the family closed the store. In 1988, Bob saw an opportunity to use the amazing historical landmark Benjamin Stables as a unique place to host parties and provide entertainment. With the additional help of Marilyn, Bob’s wife, and Christine and Matt, his children, Ranch Entertainment Inc. was started. For the next 30 years the Faulkners would lease the historical Benjamin Ranch location and produce thousands of events including private rodeos for conventions, company picnics, holiday parties, team-buildings and weddings.

Christine, Bob, Marilyn and Matt Faulkner at the annual 4th of July Kansas City Jaycee Pro Rodeo

Another opportunity sprouts up

In 1999, Bob had the idea to plant pumpkins on their family farm on View High Drive and Chipman Road. That first year a few schools came out to pick pumpkins, while others were loaded onto wagons and set out by the road. People would come by, take a pumpkin, and deposit $5.00 in the mailbox. 1999 was the official start of Faulkner’s Pumpkin Farm. The family came together to create an agritainment business that would grow and grow for the next 25 years.

Matt with sister Christine as the 1st Scarecrow Tour Guide when they began hosting school field trips at the farm.

For the next decade at that location the Faulkner’s grew their agritainment business and their families! It was there that the next generation would learn the value of hard work and what it takes to run a family business. Most importantly, it’s where the tradition began of creating fun memories together and for others in the community each pumpkin season.

Faulkners make a big move 

However, in 2007 the family farm was sold, and it was time to relocate the pumpkin business. In 2008, the Faulkner family realized their dream when they bought and developed their ultimate event venue, Faulkner’s Ranch, located just south of Interstate 470 and Raytown Road. Here Bob, Marilyn, Matt, and Christine all “Pardners” together were able to combine their experience hosting large scale events at the Benjamin Ranch with their established pumpkin season business.

The littlest Faulkner buckaroos stage a pony party photo shoot to promote pony birthday parties at the Ranch.

Faulkner’s say “happy trails” to their Benjamin Ranch location

In 2015 the Benjamin Ranch was sold to developers, which allowed all events at both locations to be combined to one venue, Faulkner’s Ranch.

New events spring up

In 2020 hosting birthday parties came to an end, making way for new events and uses for that event space to include Spring Round Up and Jolly, the Country Christmas Pop Up Bar.

Brother and sister, Matt and Christine Faulkner cheers to the opening of Jolly.

2023 marks the 25th pumpkin season

Today, the Pardners, Bob, Matt and Christine, operate the Ranch on the same lessons that Bud and Mary did when they opened their first store: providing quality service and making the customer’s experience as easy, fun, and memorable as possible. The Pardners also strive to continue to build the legacy of love that Marilyn Faulkner left behind.