By Molly Paul
By Molly Paul
KEMP’S Farm saw the end of their second annual pumpkin picking season yesterday (October 31) after a good but trying year.
The local Horsforth family-run farm was open to the public for pumpkin picking, tractor rides and other festive activities on the weekend of October 12-13 and then from October 18.
Despite having many rainy days which caused some pumpkins to go soft, this year’s event was very popular.
Rory Kemp said that the event, run by son Joe, is good family fun.
He said: “It is good for everybody; on a weekend you could come down and it is good value for money where you could spend as little as £1.50.
“It is low-cost entertainment and you get fresh air – a nice family day out.”
Mr Kemp started the pick-your-own business in 1984 with strawberries and raspberries and believes that the spirit of family life has grown.
“The ethos has changed completely, it used to be the grandparents who would take the kids out but now families seem so important.”
26,000 pumpkin seeds were planted in May this year at both the West End Lane-based farm and another farm in Malton in preparation for the event.
Visitors had the choice between four types of pumpkins, with the little white ones being the most popular.
The youngest pumpkin picker was three days old.
Jordan Gracie, 21, visited the farm having seen their social media pages.
“I found it really fun and enjoyable, I loved choosing the pumpkins and getting to see all the variety available.”
“I think having something like this [pumpkin picking] is important for seasonal events because it is nice and chill, plus everyone has a bit of fun – it is something that only happens once a year,” he said.
Abigail Davis, 19, carved an alien from Toy Story into her pumpkin.
She said: “My favourite part was picking the pumpkin and then carving it as it so fun and cute.
“Pumpkin picking is so good for living in the moment at this time of year.”
As the Halloween period ends, Kemp’s Farm will start preparing for the Christmas season where people can pick Christmas trees and secure free-range bronze turkeys.
For more information please visit the Horsforth Pick Your Own Facebook page, visit their website www.kemps.farm where you can also pre-order turkeys or phone 07798 937821.