Search is on: Perfect pumpkins

By Aurora Ellison

In spite of a wet summer, pumpkins all over the valley are ripe and ready. But a trip to the pumpkin patch features more than a walk through a field. Many local farms go all-out to create weekend festivals attracting all ages.

From scary after-dark corn mazes to giant slides and hay forts, a “pumpkin patch” is an event, not just a place.

Fresh to You, features hay and corn mazes, hay rides, fresh apple cider and offers youngsters a chance to visit with farm animals – in this case an opportunity to feed the chickens and ducks.

The Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm will feature a falconer and “rabbit agility team” on some weekends.

“In a time when many families are watching their budgets closely, we can offer a great entertainment value,” Wooden Shoe co-owner Barb Iverson said.

“Those living in the city or suburbs can experience a real working farm atmosphere and all the fun and excitement of the fall and Halloween season.”

The Oregon Garden and E.Z. Orchards have built educational features into their activities; and most farms have a special rates for school field trips.

Some farms make charity or community support part of the harvest time events.

On some weekends, admission to the Harvest Festival at E.Z. Orchards will benefit Family Building Blocks and Easter Seals. Willamette Valley Fruit Co.’s events will benefit Salem-Keizer Education Foundation and Marion-Polk Food Share.

The Oregon Garden plans to have a “Golden Pumpkin Hunt” every Saturday in October, with clues given to those who “like” the Oregon Garden on Facebook.