Fun for fall: Patches filled with pumpkins and Halloween fun
Chelsea Hughes and with her daughter Audrey, 3, walk through the pumpkin patch at Hee Haw Farms on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016, in Lindon. ISAAC HALE, Daily Herald
Ian Nielsen, 12, of Spanish Fork, carries his selected pumpkin at Rowley's Red Barn in Santaquin on Monday, Oct. 15, 2012. SPENSER HEAPS/Daily Herald
Peyton Przybycien rolls a pumpkin across a field Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013 at Jaker's Jack-O-Lantern Pumpkin Patch in Springville. Alex Goodlett/Daily Herald
Fall has arrived in Utah Valley and so have the pumpkins.
From Lehi to Santaquin, there are some great patches to visit with friends and family. Along with pumpkins of every size and shape, many pumpkin vendors include fall festivities for all ages.
The Pumpkin Patch at Carlisle Gardens in Pleasant Grove is a true onsite experience. It’s actually possible to cut your pumpkin from the vine or get some help from the friendly farmer. Formerly just a corn maze site, it has expanded to include a pumpkin patch with many varieties and the opportunity to watch chainsaw wood carving.
“We are unique in a couple of ways,” explained Dan Arbon, head gardener. “We are more of a true pumpkin garden, not a big commercial venture. We use the Back to Eden method which means there is a six-inch layer of mulch over our flat field so it is easier to walk out to pick a pumpkin.
“Owner Bob Carlisle is also a chainsaw wood carver and he is working on a giant pumpkin carving, which is fun to watch.”
Rowley’s Red Barn in Santaquin added a pumpkin patch more than 10 years ago to its orchard. Hayrides to the “back 40” take visitors behind the cherry trees to seven acres of pumpkins.
“It really is fun for all ages to ride out on the wagon and pick your own pumpkin,” said Renae Fulton, who works at Rowley’s Red Barn. “We have lots of the jack-o-lantern variety of pumpkins for people to choose from and it’s only an additional $3 for any size in addition to the hayride ticket.
“Out in the back 40 we have pedal tractor racing, giant slides, apple cannons, a giant sand box and corn mazes. There are a lot of fun activities for kids.”
Katelyn Van Austle brings her family to Rowley’s because her kids love the slides and the sand boxes.
“It’s a more hometown feel,” Van Austle said. “We love to choose treats from their homemade goods and their ice cream is delicious. We go into the red barn after the pumpkin patch activities and let everyone pick a treat.”
Mason Hadfield, 10, says the Red Barn is his favorite pumpkin patch.
“I like this one best because you get to ride down to the pumpkin patch on a wagon behind a tractor,” he said. “I picked a big round pumpkin because I can carve a lot of stuff out of it.”
Jaker’s Jack-O-Lanterns in Springville brings hundreds of pumpkins from Harward Farms fields to the Jaker’s pumpkin patch. Sara Harward believes visitors come for an inexpensive, family-friendly experience.
“People are at least three generations removed from a farm now days and less than 2 percent of the population in the United States are farmers,” Harward said. “I think they come to let their kids experience the farm and see a pumpkin farm and experience the sights and sounds and smells.”
Bryleigh Payne, 9, came to Jaker’s to get a special pumpkin for a very particular purpose. She shared her recipe for pumpkin seeds.
“I picked a big pumpkin because I like to scoop out all the gunk, pick out the seeds, wash them, and put them in the oven for maybe 10 minutes and put salt and pepper on. They are delicious.”
One of the most popular attractions at Jaker’s is the petting zoo, which includes traditional farm animals and a friendly kangaroo.
Wade and Kate Nielsen came from Orem with their 3-year-old daughter Ellie, who was petting the kangaroo through the fencing.
“My favorite is the kangaroo. I like it so much. I like the pig, too,” Ellie said.
Hee Haw Farms in Pleasant Grove welcomes visitors to a 156-year-old historic farm. Chalise and Kyle Smith are the fifth generation to live on and work the farm.
Something new this year is a huge corn box for kids to play in. Their annual Giant Pumpkin Drop is coming up at noon on Oct. 29 and promises “smashing fun.”
Cornbelly’s Pumpkin Fest is open for fall fun at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi. This is its 21st season offering pumpkin princesses, pig races, paintball, pumpkin bowling and many more activities. There is also something very special happening this year.
“We have partnered with the Peanuts Worldwide Company to celebrate the 50th anniversary of ‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,’ which is the theme for our maze and many other attractions.” said Kamille Coombs, event manager. “Each Monday another favorite character from the Peanuts gang will be here to greet visitors.”
Evans Family Farm has been in Lehi for 165 years. The pumpkin patch is in its eighth year and the Evans family still enjoys visits from local families.
The working farm at 2600 W. Main St. includes pony rides, a corn pit and games to provide an old-fashioned experience.
“We like to do it because it brings families together and promotes family unity,” said Melodie Evans Brimhall, great-granddaughter of the original Evans pioneer. “People have said they like the tradition of it.”
The Golding family comes to Evans Family Farm because it is good for their younger-age children.
“It is super family-friendly,” said Kim Golding. “That’s why I bring our kids. Their favorite is the pony rides and they would stay for hours doing that if they could.”
A Country Farm in Payson is home to the County Farm Fest Friday and Saturday, and Oct. 20-22. People are welcome to stop by their u-pick patch at the farm any day, but it’s best to come during the Country Farm Fest.
“Most people wait for our Farm Fest event to get their pumpkin so they can enjoy all the games and activities,” explained Amelia Dumas, farm owner and event coordinator. “We say we have the best kid carnival in the west. We cater to little kids and families and provide a chance to step back in time with our antique tractor to take people to the patch. We also have lots of fun contests like chocolate milk chugging.”
McCoard’s pumpkin patch in Provo offers a free wagon ride out to the patch where visitors can choose their own pumpkin for a very reasonable price. They also have many activities for all ages.
“We come every year,” said Sara Campbell, who was painting pumpkins with her two daughters. “We love it. Every year they add something new and there are things that the kids can do without a lot of instruction.”
New this year at the pumpkin patch is the zip line and the Harry Potter tent. Benjamin Lee sits outside his medieval-style tent and shows his live ball python snakes and lizards to visitors, and there are lots of magical Harry Potter supplies for wizards.
“It’s wizarding in the wild west,” said Lee, who is dressed as character Mortimer Blackburn. “This is a mercantile store for Harry Potter fans.”
Kevin Maryott, McCoard’s Garden Center manager and events manager, added that in addition to family activities there are lots of things to appeal to Utah Valley University and Brigham Young University students and their friends.
“People can take a hayride out to the pumpkin patch and enjoy the old-fashioned way of doing things. It’s a chance to turn back the clock and have fun as a family or with friends,” Maryott said.
For more information, including hours of operation and directions for local pumpkin patches, visit their Facebook pages and websites.
acountryfarm.com
harwardfarms.com/jakers
mccoards.com
southridgefarms.com (Rowley’s Red Barn)
heehawsfarm.com
cornbellys.com
