Pumpkin Patch Time AT Hunter Farms
I first visited Hunter Farms this year in June. It is now October, and it seems like only yesterday since the corn was beginning to show promise, the beans were starting to climb up the netting, and the pumpkin plants were just showing above the plastic mulch in the pumpkin patch. The June day I visited was sunny and warm and the farm hands were harvesting the hay before the next rain. The trees along the Skokomish River were green. A Reindeer was shedding it's winter coat, and in the distance, the Olympic Mountains were showing the last vestiges of snow.
Hunter Farms in June
My next visit to Hunter Farms was at the end of September. Each year, in October, Hunter Farms hosts an event called "Pumpkin Patch." This year, I wanted to document the event, including the event preparations. In addition, I wanted to document the changes around the farm since my June visit. So, I dropped by the store to talk with Bill Hunter and Bill Hunter Jr. (JR) about when the preparations would begin. I could see that the store inventory already contained items appropriate to the Halloween season. Bill and JR told me that a crew would be starting the maze and slide construction the next day.
The Store
Before leaving for the day, I took a walk around the farm to see the changes since June and also to observe the harvesting of squash, corn, and giant pumpkins. Along with the corn, the farm workers also cut corn stalks for visitors who want them for seasonal decorating.
A Walk Around The Farm
The next day, I arrived at the farm to watch as a semi-trailer truck of straw was unloaded and moved into the barn. The straw bales were used to build a spooky maze and fun slide for the "Pumpkin Patch" event, an annual family event for the Halloween season. Bill Hunter Jr. (JR) and crew completed the heavy work of building the maze and slide in two days and in time for the official opening of the event on Saturday, October 3.
Building the Maze and Slide
My next visit to Hunter Farms was on October 10. Since my last visit a few days before, the fall colors were much more apparent. On the way to the farm, I stopped along the Skokomish river to check on how the fishermen were doing: it is Coho salmon season this time of year.
Along the Skokomish
When I arrived at the farm, the Pumpkin Patch event was in full swing. I was amazed at all of the work that had been done since my last visit. Finishing touches had been applied to the barn. Vendors for both food and gifts had set up their tents. Every corner of the area, including the greenhouses, had been decorated for the event. The Pumpkin Event reminded me very much of a county fair.
Pumpkin Patch in Full Swing
I decided to take a closer look around the barn and greenhouses. Everywhere, I observed visitors enjoying themselves as much as I was. There was much to see around the barn and greenhouses.
The Barn
Through the Greenhouses
For additional information about Hunter Farms, you can visit the farm's website at http://www.hunter-farms.com.