Huaka‘i to the Pumpkin Patch and Hay Ride! October 26, 2010

Put on your covered shoes, maybe even boots, sunscreen, a hat, “oh” and my Tūtū and Me t-shirt of course! Let’s pack a home lunch and bring extra water to prepare for a hot day at the farm. We might even pack up the wagon and don’t forget our bags to hold the pumpkins we get to pick! It’s field trip time! The Tūtū and Me Hale‘iwa and Pauoa families prepare themselves the morning of October 13th and 14th for a huaka‘i to the Aloun Farms Pumpkin Patch in Kapolei, O‘ahu. The purpose of the field trip was to bring to life what we began learning about at school on farmers, through our Community Helper theme. While at the Pumpkin Patch, we were able to see and learn about the crops grown and harvested year round, was educated about agriculture, as well as the history of the farm.

As we arrived on the farm, we were greeted by Mr. and Mrs. ‘Ewa Sweet Onion! We started first with a sit down talk about the farm. Then we took a hay ride and got to see the crops that are produced and harvested there. We saw bananas, melons, squash, and onions, but of course the highlight was the massive patches of pumpkins for the fall season! Colors of orange were everywhere! After our hay ride, we were taken to the pumpkin patch where our families were able to pick their very own pumpkin to take home! This was the part of the day that all the keiki were waiting anxiously for (well, besides lunch of course) as they headed out into the pumpkin patch to look for their perfect pumpkin! The pumpkins came in all shapes and sizes and no one left empty handed. The pumpkin patch experience is available year round to all educational groups beginning in October. The public is welcomed to join in on the fun during the last two weekends of October.