Idaho

Children love going out to the farm. They see so many things, and those things create teachable moments. We are beginning to be removed from our roots of farming, and taking kids out to the farm is a priceless adventure and builds a lot of references.


Idahostatejournal.com
Pumpkin patch popular with kids
Chubbuck, Idaho

Baby Button got loose just as the children from Wee Care Preschool left the corn maze, but they had nothing to fear from the goat. Baby Button was born with no ears, no horns and no top teeth. What could he do, nudge them to death?But the goat wasn't the only attraction at Swore Farms Wednesday morning.

Miranda Kriner said she liked the Kiddie corn maze best, but she had mixed feelings about the pony, who mistook her finger for a treat Wednesday morning. The7-year-old was looking forward to choosing her pumpkin next, with a treat to follow.

It's all part of the package at the small family farm, which has turned into Pocatello's premier pumpkin patch this year. Area preschools and other groups have been making field trips north of Chubbuck for several weeks now, with more to come. In fact, the farm has been doing such a brisk business this autumn they ran out of pumpkins Wednesday.

“I had about 4 feet high and two cars long full of pumpkins, but we've had a lot of people come out,” said Swore, who was wearing a pumpkin orange vest.Not to worry, she purchased two palettes full to sell to eager carvers and painters.

Normally Swore gives tours by appointment only, but she's making an exception this weekend. Today and Saturday the farm is open to the public. After this weekend, groups can still come if they've scheduled a tour in advance, but Swore doesn't know if she's going to buy more pumpkins.

Hummingbird Gardens also has some Jack O'Lantern and Cinderella pumpkins available, but people should call 238-3578 to schedule an appointment for a visit.

If you go:
From 4-7 p.m. today and 1-6 p.m. Saturday, Swore Farm will be open to the public. Cost is $2.50 for children, parents and babies get in free. Kids are invited to come find the not-so-scary spooks in the corn maze and buy a pumpkin.To get there, go north on Yellowstone four miles past the Smith's Food Market in Chubbuck. Turn left on Ballard and look for a green painted Swore Farms sign on your right. Call 238-7466 for more information.