The Pumpkin Patch Tradition

I honestly thought I’d give it a miss this year. I’m so glad I didn’t.

My initial visit to  Aldor Acres Pumpkin Patch in Langley, BC was in 1988.

My fiance and I were enticed by the charming hand-printed signs taped to several resplendent sugar maple trees lining a country road.

“Choose your pumpkins and your price.”

We pulled off and slowly drove up the narrow, leafy driveway. How could we not? I can still picture the lonely wooden table littered with pumpkins; all of a different size. The glass donation jar was tucked off to the side. Mindful of the farmer’s generosity we purposefully didn’t opt for the largest one, but selected a modest version instead and plopped a dollar into the jar.

I never gave the farm another thought until we were invited to join dear friends Dave and Mary and their two children on their annual pumpkin patch visit in 1994. It was with huge delight that we discovered it was the very same farm. I’ve made 19 annual visits since.

I’m not silly. Obviously, the annual Pumpkin patch visits are not about the pumpkin. We could get at least six from the local grocery store for the price of a jumbo one from here.

No, the visit to the Aldor Acres Pumpkin Patch is about all things Hallowe’en. Community, friendship, tradition.

As I mentioned previously I love everything about this festive day. A visit to this delight sets the tone.

While things are now decidedly different on the farm from the lonely table we encountered on that first visit, the changes are positive.

For example, tractor pulled hay wagons now take visitors out into the patch to choose the perfect pumpkin.

This photo was taken on Sunday, however it very well could have been taken back in 1994. Yes, six years saw a lot of changes.

Before hopping onto the wagon, one can now pop into the two barns for a peek at the current crop of piglets and baby rabbits as well as visit with the horse, say hi to a llama or two and pat the donkey.

This little fellow must be exhausted. He’s been strumming and singing on every single visit.

There’s even a petting zoo. I have to say this was one of the spots I felt the absence of our four children. It wasn’t quite the same without the girls running away from the nibbling goats and the boys dodging the hissing geese.

In the past, this picture would be of my son Henry perched right at the tip of the log. New this year? That sign asking folks not to climb.

I also missed the annual hayloft fight between the four offspring. My car’s upholstery was far too clean on the ride home.

Yes, I have to say this particular visit was quite different without the usual gang on hand. With the four children grown and three of them away, I assumed the remaining members wouldn’t necessarily want to go this year.

I was wrong. Over dinner last night we made a pact that we’re on again for next year.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank my friend Lynda for suggesting the two of us “pay a visit to a pumpkin patch” on Sunday. Lynda: thank-you. You’re more than welcome on the 2014 sojourn.

And what did I come home with?

Looking to spice up your Hallowe’en traditions? I highly recommend an annual visit to your local pumpkin patch.

What Hallowe’en must-do’s are important to you? Please share. I’d love to hear.