The great West Oahu pumpkin patch is open to visitors this weekend and next at Aloun Farms, with plenty of fun and farm tours in the tropical autumn mix.<\/p>\n
The farm’s 13th annual Pumpkin Festival opened Oct. 12 and 13 and will continue from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday and Oct. 26 and 27 at 91-1440 Farrington Hwy. in Kapolei.<\/p>\n
Pony rides, tractor-pulled hayrides (free this year), farm-style food, live entertainment, picture booths, games and pumpkin picking are in store for families for a $2 admission fee, with keiki age 2 and younger admitted free. The farm’s self-pick feature includes Ewa sweet corn, sunflowers, kabocha, string beans and more than a dozen varieties of pumpkins of all sizes. Price is based on size.<\/p>\n
Hawaii Foodbank will man a collection tent at the festival, welcoming all donations of nonperishable food. Donors receive a free mini-pumpkin or colorful gourd.<\/p>\n
The farm also offers weekday educational tours this month, which are limited and must be booked in advance for $6.50 each (15 person minimum per tour). Call Mike at 677-9516.<\/p>\n
In conjunction with the Pumpkin Festival, special off-site Plant to Product tours of nearby farms and processing centers are planned for Oct. 26 and sponsored by the nonprofit Oahu Resource Conservation and Development Council.<\/p>\n