A wide swath of pumpkins of every size, shape, and color stretched across the lawn of Caraway Farm last weekend, for the 13th annual Caraway Farm Pumpkin Days.

Set amid the colorful rolling hills of Blue Creek, this family-oriented event draws crowds of people and signals the unofficial beginning of the fall holiday seasons in Adams County.

The farm is a family-friendly place where families search together for the perfect pumpkins, gourds, fodder shocks, mums, and Indian corn to welcome the fall season to their homes.

The farm’s spacious barnyard is transformed into a tented village of crafters and artisans.

Shoppers are offered a unique selection of handcrafted items, art works, primitive holiday décor, and nostalgic vintage pieces that spark memories and conversations.

Throughout the weekend there were also several fun activities for the kids, including the famous Cow Train ride around the farm.

According to Angie Caraway, the idea for Pumpkin Days began when then 12-year old Steven Caraway (who now serves as Adams County Commissioner) decided he’d like to raise pumpkins.

At the end of the growing season, the family spread the harvest of pumpkins across their front lawn. What followed was an “if you build it, they will come” experience that resulted in the birth of the Pumpkin Days festival.

“People were curious, they stopped, and we sold the pumpkins. The next year we decided to grow large fall pumpkins, the people came back, and the rest is history,” said Caraway. “It became a tradition that grew into Pumpkin Days.”

Tradition is an idea familiar to the Caraway family. They have lived on their Blue Creek farm for 127 years since it was purchased in 1888 by Samuel E. Caraway.

The farm is open is open to the public from Sept. 19 through Nov. 1, every day, 11 a.m. until dark. The farm is also open for fall tours. Reservations are requested by calling 937-544-7292.

Rows and rows of pumpkins provided numerous photo opportunities for visitors to last weekend’s Pumpkin Days.
https://www.peoplesdefender.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_Pumpkin1.jpgRows and rows of pumpkins provided numerous photo opportunities for visitors to last weekend’s Pumpkin Days. Patricia Beech | People’s Defender

The Caraway Pumpkin Farm is open to the public from now until Nov. 1.
https://www.peoplesdefender.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_Pumpkin2.jpgThe Caraway Pumpkin Farm is open to the public from now until Nov. 1. Patricia Beech | People’s Defender
Festival offers family-centered fun

By Patricia Beech

pbeech@civitasmedia.com

Reach Patricia Beech at 937-544-2391 or at pbeech@civitasmedia.com