The search is on: Picking the perfect pumpkin can include mazes, hay rides

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 (Wooden Shoe and Fordyce Farm) to giant slides and hay forts, a “pumpkin patch” is an event, not just a place.

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

Almost every event features hay maze, corn maze, and tractor-pull hay rides.  Many farms feature a visit with farm animals or even a petting zoo.  The Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm will feature a falconer and “rabbit agility team” on some dates.

“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.”

Some farms even make charity or community support part of their 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.

Bauman’s Farm and Garden’s opening weekend of their Fall Harvest Festival featured Bingo benefiting Easter Seals.  For the 10th year, Bauman’s is also using volunteers from Gervais and Woodburn High schools.  Students get work experience and Bauman’s helps fund special events and trips for leadership students.

“The students have proven to be reliable year after year. They help us create the positive and warm experience we want everyone to have that visits the farm. We are pleased to support the school and programs at Gervais and Woodburn,” Brian Bauman said.

E.Z. Orchards and Bauman’s will feature live music and pie-eating contests.

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