Halloween is celebrated on October 31st every year. It brings a wave of fun-filled activities. Family events, dressing up, and parties are symbolic of this holiday.
Traditionally this festival originated from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. People would light bonfires and dress up differently to ward off ghosts.
In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1st as a day to celebrate all saints. Soon, All Saints Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows Eve and later became famous as Halloween.
Eventually, Halloween became known for trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes, and eating treats.
The practice of decorating pumpkins with ghoulish faces and lighting with candles is an integral part of Halloween festivities. According to Guinness World Records, in the year 2013 at the City of Keene, 30,581 lit jack o’lanterns were on display. It was the highest number of lit jack o’lanterns on display ever.
During the festive fall season, you’ll find pumpkins perfect for pies, jack-o-lanterns, canning, stock feed, carving, and decorating your holiday table.
The best Florida pumpkins include ‘Howden’ and ‘Jackpot.’ The ‘Big Max’ and ‘Big Moon’ are giant pumpkins known to reach up to 200 pounds under suitable growing conditions.
Pumpkin patches around here provide many activities for locals and visitors. Farms allow you to pick your own pumpkins. Visiting here before Halloween can allow you to choose the right one for your carving craze. You can enjoy this vibrant fall season taking beautiful photos around the pumpkin patch and tasting the must-have pumpkin spice Latte.
You can find many farms across Florida, but Hunsader Farm is one of the favorite farms for many in east Manatee Couunty. They provide educational field trips for school children and this farm has grown and evolved to become one of the best pumpkin farms in Florida. The Hunsader brothers started their first pumpkin festival in 1992.
They are ready for the festival every October, incorporating many activities such as games and craftwork. Every day of the Pumpkin Festival consists of a Craft Show, Live Music / Shows, Pumpkins, Charity Pumpkin Games, Hayrides, Pony Rides, Scarecrow Displays, etc.
Rides are not the only fun part. You get to enjoy some tasty fall treats. Who can say no to Homemade Ice Cream, Farm Roasted Sweet Corn, and Pumpkin Pie?
Here is a list of some recipes to savor:
Suwannee Rose says Seminole Pumpkins are best known for their sweetness. She shares a Seminole pumpkin crisp recipe; it is a perfect Fall pumpkin dessert.
Helen Espinosa cooks smooth and creamy pumpkin soup. She says her mother-in-law enjoys her pumpkin soup as much as she enjoys making it and pumpkin flavor brings a little thanksgiving to any meal.
Kristin Luby asks to help support local and enjoy your Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned. It is the perfect sipper for the fall evening.
Now that you see picking pumpkins is not the only reason to visit the pumpkin patch. Sarasota / Bradenton has farms perfect for an entire day activity for everyone in the family. Enjoy the rides, buying the local produce, and some tasty pumpkin treats.
