The sound of leaves crunching under my boots and the many colours of fall made me feel warm and cosy at Maan Farms’ Fall at the Farm days. On Sept. 23, I attended their first designated “Dog Day” of the season, where families brought their beloved pets for a day at the farm. I even saw a few canines strutting their stuff in cute and spooky costumes: an orange pumpkin, a flying bat, and a brave superhero.
Pining for a treat to satisfy my sweet autumn cravings, I couldn’t help but indulge in their signature Double Pumpkin Spice Cream and their Pumpkin Spice Mini Donuts. The fall flavour staples of cinnamon and allspice brought to mind giddy feelings of Thanksgiving and the warmth of the season. As well, they had delicious ready-made pumpkin pies, and their pumpkin spice wine appeared to be a seasonal favourite. For those wanting a break from everything pumpkin, they also offered samosas as well as assortments of jams and honey.
Included in my ticket to Fall at the Farm was access to the non-seasonal Barnyard Adventureland: a place where children ran amuck, played in the puddles and mud, and got scolded at by their parents. Guests of all ages enjoyed feeding the barnyard animals: pigs, ducks, goats, chickens, and even a donkey.
Still fiending for a bit more of that autumnal spirit, I decided to check out the marketplace, which offered some superb decor such as fall-themed door mats and throw pillows. I also visited the new Forest Pumpkin Patch to pick out the perfect gourd. Their white and orange pumpkins were a fitting shape and size for carving. The patch was a perfect place for eerie photos alongside some fantastic Halloween decorations: giant red-eyed spiders, 12-foot tall pumpkin-headed skeletons, and cackling witches galore.
I sincerely hope that all those who attempted to solve Esme’s Enchanted Corn Maze remembered to wear their rain boots. It had multiple dead ends and its corn stalks were overbearingly high. The ominous rainy skies and muddy pathways definitely made me excited for Halloween.
Those itching for a spine-tingling Halloween experience needed only to look outside of Fall at the Farm to find “Agatha’s Witching Hour” waiting for them. I was too frightened to brave the haunts of the maze, but extra courageous guests had the option to do these mazes in the evening, up until closing time at 6 p.m. On select nights in October, visitors had the option to choose from three different haunted paths: Slaughterhouse, The Way Down, and Homestead. I am definitely looking forward to coming back next year for some more tricks and treats.
Veronica is a Staff Writer at The Cascade. She loves to travel and explore new places, no matter how big or small. She is in her second year at UFV, pursuing the study of Creative
Writing.
