Looking for a pumpkin? This Kelowna farm is the place to go

• Fall festivities are taking place at McMillan Farms
• People can buy pumpkins in various colors and sizes

Pumpkins are an integral part of fall festivities and something McMillan Farms knows all about.

Having grown over 15,000 pumpkins this year alone, the farm is once again welcoming the public to enjoy their offerings and pick up a soon-to-be Jack O' Lantern.

The farm grows over 30 varieties, with several sizes and colours, including white, green, and even pink, on offer.

Some of their most popular activities are returning, like the corn maze, tractor hayrides, and slingshot.

Targets are set up in the field to take aim at with gourds and apples propelled at blistering speeds.

For owner Ron McMillan, his favorite activity is the tractor tour.

“If we have two hayrides, myself driving one and my son driving the other, there’s maybe 30 people on them,” McMillan said.

“We’ll make stops on the way. That’s usually an opportunity for me to explain a little bit about what’s going on in the farm. Good, bad, otherwise. But it’s also an opportunity to also ask questions about the farm … having that chance to have that one-on-one discussion is huge for me.”

Preparations for this event start in the spring when the family choose what varieties of pumpkins and other plants to grow. In the months leading up to autumn, lots of works goes into planning everything from what activities will be featured, how many farm hands need to be hired to how much hay to order.

In 2020, the farm was still open but in a more reduced capacity, with just 50 people allowed on the property.

This year, public health restrictions are still in place, but McMillan Farms can now host 100 people.

Walk-up admission is only allowed if the farm hasn’t reached full capacity. Even if you’re just planning on stopping in to buy a pumpkin, booking your time slot is encouraged.

Because it is an outdoor event, staff aren’t required to check for vaccine passports. Hand sanitizing stations will be readily available, and masks are required for the hayrides given the closer proximity.

The event runs until Oct. 31.