PUMPKIN LANE at Pomeroy Living History Farm in Yacolt will begin in October and will be open every Saturday and Sunday through the month. Pumpkin Lane is open to visitors Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays, 1-5 p.m. Photo by Mike Schultz.
As the fall season quickly approaches, along with it comes the smells, sights and sounds of Pumpkin Lane at Pomeroy Living History Farm.
Starting out as a pumpkin festival the first weekend of October more than 20 years ago, the seasonal event at Pomeroy Farm eventually became too busy and led to the creation of Pumpkin Lane every weekend in October.
This year, Pumpkin Lane will be open every Saturday and Sunday in October, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays. Dates are Oct. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20 and 26-27. The annual event includes a mile-long hayride through Pumpkin Lane, which houses more than 70 “pumpkin people” dressed up as various characters such as farmers, chefs, doctors and even Elvis. The mile-long hayride ends with a stop at the pumpkin patch, where attendees can pick out their favorite pumpkin.
Other attractions available to Pumpkin Lane visitors include the hay-bale maze, farm animals to visit, various yard games and the pumpkin flume. Children can participate in the pumpkin race flume, where they will pump water into a gutter that flows down 12-15 feet into a tub of water. Attendees can also enjoy Americana-style musical entertainment. Take-home scarecrow-making kits will also be available for a nominal fee.
The Farm Cafe will also be open during the Pumpkin Lane weekends in October. The cafe will feature seasonal fare of sausage dogs, hot dogs, baked potatoes, hot and cold drinks, snacks and pumpkin pie.
The historic log house at Pomeroy Farm will also be open for tours from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturdays and 1-4 p.m. on Sundays.
Admission to Pumpkin Lane includes the hayride down the decorated lane with the stop at the pumpkin patch. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for children ages 3-11 and free for children ages 2 and younger. Pumpkins are an additional fee starting at $1, depending on the size. None of the pumpkins are usually more than $8 and the $1 pumpkins are about the size of a small cantaloupe and are ideal for small children. On average, about 500-800 people visit the farm each weekend in October.
Themed teas Pomeroy Farm also holds several different theme teas throughout the year. Tea is served in the Gathering Place and all theme teas require a pre-paid reservation. Arrangements can be made by calling (360) 686-3537. Refunds will be given if the farm staff is notified of the cancellation at least seven days prior to the event.
Here at the upcoming themed teas in 2013:
• Thanksgiving Tea: A Thanksgiving Tea will be held Sat., Nov. 16 and 23, noon. Cost is $15.95 plus tax. Celebrate the season of thankfulness with tea in the Gathering Place. The seasonal menu will include assorted tea sandwiches, scones, desserts and two varieties of tea.
• Christmas Tea and Tour: Christmas Tea and Tour will be held Sat., Nov. 30 and Dec. 7, 14 and 21, noon. Cost is $20 and includes tea, tour and tax. The historic log house and the Gathering Place will set the mood for a Christmas Tea at Pomeroy Farm. Tours of the main floor of the log house, decorated in Christmas finery and featuring the family’s collections, are included in the price of the tea. This festive tea will include assorted tea sandwiches, scones, desserts and two varieties of tea.
Events in 2014 at Pomeroy
Pomeroy Farm staff recently released the farm’s schedule of events for 2014. Some upcoming events in 2014 include:
• St. Patrick’s Day Tea: St. Patrick’s Day will be held in the Gathering Place Sat., March 8 and March 15, noon.
• Anne of Green Gables Tea: The Anne of Green Gables theme tea will be held in the Gathering Place Sat., April 5 and 12, noon.
• Herb, Vegetable and Sustainable Living Fair: The annual Herb, Vegetable and Sustainable Living Fair at Pomeroy Farm will be held Sat.-Sun., April 26-27. The annual event includes thousands of fresh herb and garden plants (many organic selections), entertainment, Farm Cafe, vendors, herb garden and more.
• Mother’s Day Tea: The popular Mother’s Day Tea at Pomeroy Farm will be held Sat., May 3 and 10, noon, in the Gathering Place.
Pumpkin Lane, Thanksgiving Tea and Christmas Tea will also be held in 2014. For more information on these and other Pomeroy Farm events, visit their website at www.pomeroyfarm.org, call the farm at (360) 686-3537 or email staff@pomeroyfarm.org.
