THUNDER BAY – A family tradition is rolling on for a 27th autumn at Gammondale Farm.
The farm's Pumpkinfest event launched Saturday and is on each weekend through Oct. 31, offering familiar fun along with a few new twists.
On Sunday, families happily got lost in the monster forest maze, met barnyard animals, and took in tractor rides, launches of what organizers call Canada’s biggest pumpkin catapult, and live bluegrass from the Mink Mountain Revue, among other excitement.
For operator Sue Gammond, the reward of hosting the event after more than a quarter-century is seeing the kids continue to make memories. It's something she's particularly grateful for this year, given the uncertainties of COVID-19.
“We’re so happy to be doing it, because I get withdrawal symptoms when I don’t have kids around,” she said.
Some COVID-19 precautions have been eased from last year: food is again being served, with food trucks selling pizza and doughnuts on site, and hot drinks available.
All visitors above the age of 12 must show proof of full vaccination at least 14 days prior to their visit.
Instituting the rule was a tough decision to make, said Gammond, but ultimately necessary to protect the health of those under 12 who can't yet be vaccinated – which includes some of the youth who help out at Pumpkinfest, as well as many of its attendees.
Increasingly, though, it's not just children and their minders visiting the Slate River Valley property for the annual tradition. Gammond is seeing more younger adults at Pumpkinfest, who she said may be drawn in part by Instagram-ready backdrops.
“The interesting change over the last few years is the number of people who come out here without children,” she said. “We never used to get [that]. I think one of the things is the social media and taking pictures, because I see them taking selfies. I think they’ve figured out it’s actually a worthwhile thing to just chill... slow down a little bit and do something that’s just natural.”
Pumpkinfest tickets must be bought in advance by time slot. More details are available at the Gammondale website.
