There are many people who hold Halloween recollections and traditions close to their hearts. From wearing costumes and watching Halloween classics with family, to making festive foods and decorating for parties, there is something for everyone.
Perhaps one of the biggest highlights of Halloween, however, is pumpkin picking. Ezrah Jaramillo, a freshman nursing major, said when she goes pumpkin picking, she tends to choose large pumpkins with a curved stem. Afterward, she usually carves funny faces into the pumpkin, uses it as a decorative Jack o’ lantern and bakes the pumpkin seeds with oil for snacks, she said.
“Picking pumpkins is fun for me, because it’s something I’ve done with my mom since I was a child. It’s a great memory to relive each year,” Jaramillo said.
So, where can you go to pick a good pumpkin? The Daily Lobo has got you covered.
The Rio Grande Community Farm
The Halloween scene at the farm is one of the highlights of the year. Apart from being a great place pick a pumpkin, the RGCF is also home to the Maize Maze as well as an interactive theater performance of “Quarantine: Origins” hosted by Blackout Theatre.
During the day, a short hayride brings visitors to the Maize Maze from the Gazebo, where guests can purchase pumpkins and maze tickets. Pumpkins are sold for $5 per pie pumpkin and $8 per Jack o’ lantern, regardless of weight, according to Maze Organizer Elizabeth Arnold. There is also a pumpkin painting station provided at no additional cost.
In an effort to achieve the Open Space Department’s goal of growing forage for migrating wildlife, the 18th Annual Maize Maze offers sustenance for migrating geese and cranes as well as a fun place for people to explore. This year, the maze design features butterflies, bees and hummingbirds to celebrate pollinators in partnership with the ABQ BioPark.
Open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the maze costs $7 for adults and $5 for kids ages two to 12. Groups of 15 or more may book private visits during the week for a discounted rate.
To learn more, click here.
McCall’s Pumpkin Patch
Apart from the pumpkin patch, during the day McCall’s Pumpkin Patch provides guests with attractions such as pig racing, a princess meet-and-greet, pumpkin launching, train rides, face painting and more.
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Located in Moriarty and open since 1998, the family-owned and operated pumpkin patch will be open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ticket sales end at 4 p.m. every day. Daytime admission ranges from $11.95 to $13.95.
McCall’s marketing director and former UNM student Dennis Garcia explained the pumpkin picking process.
“Guests will board the hay ride near the produce market. After a short ride to the pumpkin fields, they will be allowed to take their time looking for the perfect pumpkin. When ready, they will board the [hayride] and return to the produce market, where they will pay for their pumpkins.”
Pumpkin prices range from $2 to $10 based on size.
Special event days at McCall’s include Halloween and Nov. 1, the last day of the season. On Halloween, there will be a costume parade and contest for children, trick-or-treating around the farm and a special appearance of Lobo Louie and the UNM Spirit Squad. On Nov. 1 there will be a Pumpkin Fest complete with a 5k run and a 1 mile walk to benefit the Moriarty High School cross country team, live music, pumpkin bowling, a pumpkin smash and 50% off pumpkins.
Click here for more information. McCall’s is also on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
Wagner’s Farmland Experience
Family-owned and operated Wagner’s Farmland Experience offers hay rides, a petting zoo, a picnic area, a corn maze, farm-themed play activates and, of course, a pumpkin patch.
Located in Corrales, the farmland is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a corn maze consisting of a tractor hayride, pumpkins and a message thanking patrons for 10 successful years.
After walking through the corn maze, guests pick a pumpkin and receive a hayride.
“Pumpkin prices are based on size. A pumpkin the size of a honeydew melon is $3, and a decent-size Jack o’ lantern pumpkin will cost $5 or $6. We have some larger sizes that can cost up to $15 to $20,” co-owner Roxanne Wagner said.
On Saturday evening, along with the option of a bonfire, visitors can navigate the Los Lunas maze under the stars. There is also a “U-Pick” garden at this location where visitors are given a bag at a certain price and can fill it to the brim with whatever vegetables the farm has to offer, including chile, tomatoes, melons, squash and beans.
“People who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of things would love a day at our farm. The Los Lunas maze has almost six miles of trail and hidden checkpoints throughout,” Wagner said.
Admission prices are $8 for anyone over 12, $6 for kids under 11, free for kids under two and group discounts of $6 per person. Group admission also includes all the activities, a pumpkin, an apple and a farm lesson. The hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. The night maze runs from dusk until 10 p.m. on Saturday.
Click here for more information.
Elizabeth Sanchez is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at news@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @Beth_A_Sanchez.
