Oliver Hopkins, 7½, Cousin Brilynn Messer, 4 and Ryker Hopkins, 5½, all from Granite Falls show off their bounty from the pumpkin patch at Thomas Family Farm in Snohomish on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 5.
Photo by Jim Scolman
With the leaves changing color and the return of pumpkin spice lattes, local farms have opened their gates to embrace the fall season once again. Some farms have been providing entertainment and harvest fun for decades, while others are just beginning to venture into the agritourism business.
Regardless of their years of experience, these farms have formed a tight-knit support system among themselves, helping and advising each other along the way. Whether it’s to lend pumpkin seeds or borrow farm equipment, Jake Thomas of Thomas Family Farm is grateful for the community of these agritourism farms.
“We help each other out,” Thomas said. “I don’t think people realize how tied we are together and we are all doing this for each other.”
This season Thomas Family Farm in Snohomish has added more photo opportunities throughout the property, the Haunted Town which will complement their current haunted house, as well as a brand new pickle bar court.
At Stocker Farms, Keith Stocker has added two new attractions for this season: pig racing for the family and the Corn King Slide.
“Every year we continue to create more things for people to come out and enjoy and experience,” Stocker said.
The Waltman family has had Legacy Farms of Monroe open to the public for the past four years, and is largely operated by the family and volunteers. This season Legacy Farms has added a carnival slide, as well as opening their gift shop for the first time. It is a smaller farm compared to other farms surrounding it, but that’s what Jason Waltman believes contributes to its charm.
“We are a lot less polished, but I think what people appreciate about us is that it is very authentic and they can tell it’s very much our family on the forefront,” Waltman said.
One of the attributes that Bob’s Corn and Pumpkin Farm in Cathcart takes pride in is their 250 acres of wide, open space. “I think our greatest attraction is our open space,” Bob Ricci said. “How much land we are letting the people freely roam on is what makes it feel very spaced out and doesn’t feel crowded.”
Aside from increasing parking space to fit around 2,000 cars, one of the biggest changes for Bob’s Corn and Pumpkin Farm is the increase of food. Instead of food being served only on the weekends, Bob’s has expanded the food to seven days a week. According to Bob and Sarah Ricci, all the food that they fry is gluten free, celiac friendly.
Swan's Trail Farms, being the first farm in Snohomish to create a corn maze, also continues to offer more to visitors every year. According to Nate Krause, one of the features that sets Swan Trail Farms apart from others is their apple orchard. So this year, fully making use of their own orchard and cider mill, Swan Trail Farm has started selling hard cider and cider slushies.
But aside from changes to the food and beverage options, the Magical Pumpkin Garden is their newest attraction. The garden consists of four acres of pumpkins, surrounded by corn stalks, with the pumpkins displayed in different designs, most notably the river of gourds.
“I wanted to figure out a way to just have a private, zen place.” Krause said. “I have always wanted to do this. You still hear everything when you come in here, but it’s really nice and peaceful.”
Craven Farms has added a beer garden run by Whitehall Brewing and sponsored by Evergreen Goodwill, according to co-owner Kimi Chadwick.
“It’s a really great addition for fun here at the patch during the colder months,” Chadwick said.
Each of the farms have something to contribute, each provide a different atmosphere and experience that families can enjoy.
Anne Bailey is the fifth generation managing Bailey Farm. At their u-pick farm, families can not only pick pumpkins, but also a variety of fruits and vegetables.
“There are so many great places around us that we go to with our kids,” Bailey said.
