Sept. 22: the first official day of changing leaves, a chilly breeze, and the most fun of all, the pumpkin patches.
The fall season makes people obsessed with activities such as hayrides, apple picking and getting everything pumpkin flavored. During the 17th century, people’s love for pumpkin patches kept growing every year as autumn would defrost.
According to HerbaZezt, “The Halloween pumpkin patch as it is now has its origins after the Second World War. Though jack-o’-lanterns had already been popularized, pumpkins were still considered minor crops until this period, in which trick-or-treating skyrocketed across the U.S.”
Pumpkin patches are a chance to bring family and friends closer together during the autumn season. The various activities bring a happier appeal, which makes the customers want to keep coming back.
According to Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch, “Today, families go to pumpkin patches to experience what it is like to celebrate the fall season and pumpkin harvests. Pumpkin patches have become a place for families, friends, and communities to socialize, chat, and enjoy activities. It is where people feel the spirit of Fall and participate in Halloween traditions.”
Stepping on the crunchy leaves, children laughing while petting the zoo animals, and the smell of the new pumpkin items on the menu all bring an emotional attachment that defies time.
According to Wing Farm, “Visiting a pumpkin patch provides many opportunities to engage and encourage children to learn and grow. For example, giving them the freedom to roam around and pick out their very own pumpkin gives them a sense of pride and independence.”
Pumpkin patches tend to be a tradition for most families. The nostalgic feeling of being at this festival as an older teen makes the experience better to remember what it was like as a child.
“When I go to pumpkin patches, my favorite part has to be the smell of fall in the air,” Plainfield North High School student Ava Salcedo said. “Going with friends and family has to be some of the best memories as a child and even better now.”
A popular farm nearby, Kuipers Family Farm, has been going on for years. It has everything one can imagine a perfect pumpkin patch can have.
According to Kuipers Family Farm website, “Their vision was a place where people could connect with a real farm while making memories together. With a pumpkin patch, tractor ride, strawbale maze, a few goats, and tent, Kuipers Pumpkin Farm opened to the public in the Fall of 1998.”
Pumpkin patches are definitely on the “To-Do” list during the autumn season. Enjoying the pumpkin flavored items, crunchy leaves in every step and the hay rides is worth every minute.