StettlerLocal.com September 15, 2021 @10:45am
What began as a fundraiser for a local youth group has become an annual hobby for Brian, Antoinette, and son Owen Laughlin who run A & B Acres Tree Farm.
Their September 12, 2021 Pumpkin Harvest event was done by appointment this year, the same as last year, in consideration of the ongoing health issues in the province. Due to the weather, Antoinette says that numbers have been down from last year.
Brian plants approximately six to eight varieties of pumpkins each year for the event. The drought conditions for the 2021 season meant that he and Owen had to irrigate the pumpkin patch from a nearby dugout. However, their efforts were rewarded with multitudes of pumpkins in many shades and sizes, from massive white varieties to tiny orange pie pumpkins, and several varieties of ornamental pumpkins. This year’s hot temperatures were excellent for the growth of the pumpkin vines and gourds.
About the harvest event, Antoinette says “We hope it’s an experience, not just a sale.” The Laughlin's yard, filled numerous trees of both common and unusual species, really adds to the experience transporting the visitor into the deep forest in the middle of the prairie. The growing of pumpkins complements the operations of the tree farm, Antoinette explains.
Due to the low numbers of visitors, the rainy conditions, and the abundance of pumpkins remaining, the Laughlins intend to continue the pumpkin harvest on Sunday, September 19th.
Supporting local this fall can look like buying a locally grown pumpkin that you pick yourself, with just a short drive out of town.
If you would like to visit A&B Acres Tree Farm Pumpkin Harvest on the 19th, please contact A & B Acres Tree Farm through their Facebook page.
Jimilee Ayotte, Editor
StettlerLocal.com