Pumpkin Patch can refer to a large garden in which pumpkins are grown, usually for sale. The word “pumpkin” derives from pumpernickel, which means “a little round hard-shelled shell used as a money deposit”. Pumpkin Patch (scream queens), a retail store specializing in children’s clothing. A pumpkin patch is also known as a Halloween shop. Retailers sell pumpkins at reasonable prices in “patch shops” and generally accept credit cards and e-checks.
Traditionally, pumpkin patches were on farms and in the countryside, but this year look around and you may find one in your local neighbourhood. Fall brings with it a whole host of fun activities, including pumpkin carving, the annual Halloween pumpkin carving contest at your local fair, pumpkin festivals in your area, and of course the seasonal Octoberfest in your neighbourhood. The festivities start in early September and conclude by mid-October. Pumpkins come in a variety of colours; red being the most popular choice for carving.
The tradition of carving pumpkins dates back to the earliest years. Caving holes are dug on the site, inside the hole a face is carved and the contents of the hole are placed in a wooden box or a ceramic dish. The carving starts with an initial round shape. At this stage it may be a face representing someone or something, such as Jack O’Lanterns or Jack Sparrow. In more modern pumpkin patch creations, pumpkins often carry tools and implements to use in activities, such as painting, sculpting, or playing.
As the pumpkin patch grows, creative imaginations can spark, and the carving can take on new shapes, often inspired by seasonal treats or Halloween themes. A prime example of this is the ‘Halloween pumpkin patch’, which can be found in busy intersections during Halloween. The box is filled with treats, such as kettle corn, caramel apples, hard cheese, candy, nuts and more. Once the children reach the top of the box they can choose a treat to open, but beware, all candy is strictly limited to one per person. The fruit inside is a mixture of different varieties of apple cider and fresh fruit, including lemon, orange, and apple. The soft seeds are covered in sugary syrup and baked into the food with a shortbread crust.
As the children begin their adventures on the pumpkin patch they will find many different free activities, including pumpkin carving, a visit from Santa Claus, and more. There are also free activities to take part in. These include a visit from the Grinch, a fat old man who likes to wander through the neighborhood, stopping people on the street for small amounts of money. There is also the infamous bale of hay, where Santa and his reindeer once stopped by to give some fresh hay to the needy. For those of you who have been too young to remember this scene there are still many photos and old pictures to enjoy at the Sville pumpkin patch today.
To start the day there are exciting events to look forward to at the pumpkin patch such as the famous Santa’s Mail Tour, featuring Santa, the reindeer, and the horse-drawn hayrides. The morning of Halloween sees the start of the infamous sat-sun roast, where pumpkin parades, sat-sun racing, and the traditional Halloween Parades are all featured. The highlight of the day is the yearly pumpkin carving contest at the end of the night. Competitors can carve pumpkins in a variety of sizes and shapes, with their names engraved on the carved piece. The pumpkin that wins the competition is deemed the best pumpkin and is proudly displayed for everyone to see, along with the date and time it was carved.
The evenings bring exciting events for those of us willing to venture outside the boundaries of our pumpkin patch. Many local businesses host monthly farmers’ markets where local produce and crafts are sold. Also on the evenings of October 31st, Saint Patrick’s Day, the town hosts a “Greening of Pumpkin Patch” event featuring live music, speakers, workshops, and delicious food. Other events include the Jack-O-Lantern trivia contest at the end of every night, as well as the “Flame throw” fireworks display during the evening of November 3rd. There are also Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus contests at this time of year.
Of course, for the children of Thanksgiving, nothing beats a trip to the pumpkin patch and a chance to meet and get acquainted with Granny Boswell, Grandma Boswell, or Hot Girl. You can visit the Three Cedars Farm Nursery, which was built in 1850 and offers preschool programs in science, nature, and agriculture. The garden offers apple picking, pumpkin picking, and chard tours, and tea picking. If you are looking for something a bit more adult oriented, the Parma Orchid Garden can be visited in the spring of each year. Children can have fun watching the flowers bloom, going on an educational farm tour, and learning about orchids from knowledgeable staff members. All ages will enjoy the Three Cedars Farm Nursery and Garden.