Pumpkins and hay rides are just part of the adventure
by Loni Rahm
Yesterday I spent a sunny fall morning helping herd about 80 very active (and equally loud) 5th graders around Chelan Valley Farms during a MOE field trip. In true divide and conquer fashion, the kids were split into small groups and guided around stations that included apple tasting, soil education, seed life cycle, apple picking and pumpkin patch treasure hunting.
This field trip was also a “reveal” for the students who planted seeds last spring and got to see first hand the results as they picked a pumpkin from their crop. Owner Jeana Steiner indicated they dedicated rows for Morgan Owings Elementary and Roots School Students to plant this year. They are working with Manson Elementary to include them in the experience this coming season.
While it’s too late to join our MOE melee, anyone can visit the Pumpkin Patch at Chelan Valley Farms today and tomorrow for their final weekend of the season. You will experience amazing views from the pumpkin patch, grab a pumpkin (while they last), jump on the hayride, learn about apples and more. You can also enjoy doughnuts, sparkling cider or cocoa, and take home apples or winter squash. The farm is open today and tomorrow (Sat/Sun) from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Chelan Valley Farms is the vision of Chad and Jeana Steiner and their three boys. Located at 2393 Green Avenue in Manson, the 20-acre site supports an orchard, a cutting garden and a bit of land that the family decided to turn into a pumpkin patch.
But the agricultural aspect is just the beginning. For those who wish to linger overnight, they have a delightful guest cottage for rent. They also schedule a variety of classes ranging from wreath making to pumpkin carving and more. And throughout the summer, they grow an expansive cutting garden and offer a CSA program to provide weekly flowers to area businesses and residents.
We hope you enjoy the photo gallery below. For more information visit the Chelan Valley Farms website.
