POWASSAN -- It might be called the Great Pumpkin Tour, but Saturday’s event offered everything from baked goods to farm animals to corn mazes.
It was the first of its kind in Powassan and 16 different locations were signed up for the community to come out and visit.
"It’s just to highlight what we do in Powassan. We do grow in Powassan, it’s what we do best," said Kathie Hogan from 250 Clark who organized the event.
"We invite people in to experience. It’s really piggy backing on the Farm Stand Tour that happened this summer and was a huge success," said Hogan.
"So a lot of the farms on the route today, were with the farm stand tour. We also have downtown businesses, the cutest general store, and the farmers market."
Each location offered a unique experience. However, the goal was the same for everyone involved; give the community a chance to get outside and learn about where their food really comes from.
"We wanted people to see that we have our grass fed animals and they’re happy animals," said Jennifer Wand from Wand Family Farm.
"[People] want to know where their food is coming from and especially in these times it’s just nice that they can see its local, they know where it came from and whose hands touched all of it."
Safety protocols were in place at each location with plenty of farm land available to space out from others.
"We’re safer when we’re outdoors," said Hogan.
"People are sensible in this area. We don’t have any cases right now. We haven’t had cases in a while. So we’re sensible about it, we’re outdoors, we’re wearing masks, we’re in our groups, right? You’re not going to take a stranger on a tour. So for all those reasons we decided to go ahead."
Overall, it was a success for many visiting the farm, especially those with younger children.
"It’s something really fun to do that we can all do together," said Kathi Hunnisett.
"My boys have been actually bugging me to see some farm animals. So this is a great way to come and check them out."
Hunnisett is hoping that her boys learn all about farms and just really enjoy their adventure.
"Just the actual fact of where meat and food and everything comes from. And that we can do it locally, we can do it ourselves, we don’t have to get everything sourced from elsewhere."
11-year-old Colton Robinson was excited to be out at the farm Saturday as well.
"I’ve really liked how there’s lots of baked goods and I really like the pigs because they’re big, fat and chubby," he explained.
Although the visitors we’re eager to get out and explore the venues along the route, farmers were excited to welcome guests into their homes as well.
"Sometimes when you’re out here at midnight, setting things up and last minute scramble you wonder why it is you do this, and then you see the kids running around and people asking questions about how food is grown and where it comes from and explain to their kids," said Greg King from Roots and Roost Farm.
"Or grandparents explaining to their grandchildren how they used to go to their parents farm and passing on stories that normally they wouldn’t even think to tell their kids until they get on the farm."
King adds that some people did have some concerns around COVID protocols, however, with an expanded parking lot and lots of space he thought it was a good idea to welcome people to the farm.
"I think farms have a responsibility in what’s going on with COVID not just to provide food, but also, you know, a venue where people can get out and social distance," he said.
"I think with 200 acres, there’s no better place for people to be able to come and walk around and enjoy themselves."
Officials hope the Great Pumpkin Tour will become an annual event in the years to come.
