PUMPKIN picking has become a massive part of children’s lives as they look towards Hallowe’en and it is sure to be a popular activity in the half-term holidays.
In years gone by, October 31 was less of an event than it is now but it has metamorphosed and is now a big deal for many families.
The lure of Guy Fawkes, which was a feature of many families’ lives growing up in the 1970s and 1980s has been overshadowed by the brasher and spookier activities focused on a date six days earlier in the calendar.
Supermarkets are now stocked with bags of sweets, costumes and plastic ornaments and ghost-themed tat. Houses have already been decorated ahead of the spook fest.
Young people are going trick or treating and young adults partying in their favourite costumes.
Not everyone is a fan of Halloween as it can be regarded by some Christians as celebrating all that is evil on the eve of All Saints Day, an important date in the Christian calendar.
But the Hallowe’en pumpkin has overtaken the humble swede in its popularity rankings.
Gone is the firm-fleshed turnip with its modest illuminating benefits and in is the bright orange pumpkin.
Not only do children pick pumpkins to carve from supermarkets but the picking of the squashes in the wild is now a big thing.
Pumpkin picking has become a big part of business at Primrose Hill Nurseries at High Legh near Lymm, which has been busy selling pumpkins since the start of the month and is open all through half-term offering the opportunity for families to enjoy picking their own by filling wheelbarrows. Refreshments are also available in a cafe on site as well as seasonal plants and gifts, with Christmas also in the air!
Pumpkin picking at Primrose Hill
Meanwhile Warrington has seen an increase in pumpkin patches. There is Kenyon Hall Farm in Croft which is open seven days a week for pumpkin fans.
In Lymm, the village there is a pumpkin patch in Massey Lane which is open seven days a week.
Bates Farm on Warrington Road, Risley, is a working farm with a seasonal pumpkin patch. The farm is open every weekend and during half-term.
As well as the thousands of pumpkins in all colours, sizes and varieties there’s farm animals, face painting and refreshments.
In Appleton, a pumpkin patch has popped up alongside Bellefields Brew, which sells hot food and drink.
There are parking facilities and hot drinks and toilets.
For pumpkin patch enthusiasts, it’s time to embrace the mud and crowds, grab a wheelbarrow and seek out the perfect photo opportunity.
