Visiting Pumpkin Patch, A classic America Fall Activity

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo from Minneapolis, USA

Even though fall rolls around at the same time every year in the United State of America, there’s always something that feels special about the sights, smells, and tastes of the season.

One of the most enduring fall traditions in the U.S. according to reports is going to a pumpkin patch to choose your very own pumpkin to decorate or carve and partake in all the fun fall activities that go along with it.

At exactly 11am, Sunday October 16, the city of Minneapolis, capital of the State of Minnesota in the United State of America is witnessing cold and freezing temperatures. New commers into the city are finding it difficult to go on with their normal activities.

While denizens are seen trying to sort out issues in conformity with weather conditions by being in thick and warm clothing, some are still seen fidgeting and trying to manage the weather despite the situation. From all indications, these are signs that the winter season is fast approaching.

Despite the weather, a group of Photojournalists drawn from all over the world, taking part in an exchange program in the U.S are braving the odds to visit the Dehn’s Pumpkin Patch located at Dayton, North of Minneapolis.

Visiting a pumpkin patch is a classic American fall activity. When leaves of trees start to change color and the air gets cooler, this reporter is told that one of the best things to do is visit a pumpkin patch.

Nevertheless, driving some 25 minutes through the city to the pumpkin patch, the weather remains the same as more warmer clothes are needed. However, tens of families are already present in the patch enjoying the beauty of the environment. Even though accessing the patch can cost some seven to twelve dollars (over FCFA 4,000 to 7,000) the entrance is decorated with biggest sizes.

At first sight, visiting photojournalists are surprised with the varying size and nature of the pumpkin. Unlike in many countries where pumpkin is known to be small, must pumpkins here are very large.

A quick scan of the farm shows a variety of pumpkins all over in different colours. While pumpkins are grown in the other side, maize grown in large quantity not for human consumption is reading for harvesting. In addition, a large portion of the farm is habiting soya beans that is almost also ready for harvesting.

“Visiting a pumpkin patch is a serious activity here in America and as you can see, my family is here to enjoy the day. There is going to be a lot of fun and my children will also play around. Here, you can enjoy fun activities such as a corn maize, scenic hayrides, and even climb up bale mountain. My kids will love the bounce houses, giant inflatable slides, and a massive corn pit,” a visitor said.

Taking a tour round the farm presents a unique and interesting pumpkins doted all over which have also fallen and Halloween decorations including costumes. It worth noting that pumpkins have become a favorite fall crop and a sign of good things to come with the season.

Aside from pumpkin pie and jack o’ lanterns, pumpkins make great decorations and can produce seeds for a great snack or a medium for a neat art project. However, picking the perfect pumpkin doesn’t have to be difficult either. With cooler weather fast approaching, the days to safely enjoy outdoor activities are dwindling.

Since opening a new window in 2003, Dehn’s Pumpkins Patch has attracted many families who adhere to the belief that you can’t have too much of a good thing. Although Dehn’s is a true family farm, it still manages to feature practically every fall activity from tried-and-true staples like pick-your-own-pumpkins, hay rides and a five-hectare corn maize to more off-the-beaten-patch activities like a gourd slinger, giant slide and Saturday wine tastings.

Minnesota is home to some of the most outstanding pumpkin patches in the United States with a dozen of them doted all over the State.