It’s the pumpkins… and a lot more

Published 8:01 am Friday, February 22, 2008

Fairbank Hands On Pumpkin &Animal Farm in Edmonds has the unique distinction of being the only true public pumpkin patch in our area.

Tucked away in a green corner of Edmonds, Janet and Dave Fairbank have opened their five acre farm seasonally to the public and to school groups for the last 18 years. Every October the farm comes alive with festive decorations, an animal farm, and an abundant pumpkin and gourd patch.

School groups have been the focus of the Fairbank’s efforts over the last three decades. For many children from urban schools, visiting the Fairbank’s acreage is the first time they’ve set foot on a farm. “So many children don’t have the opportunity to see farm animals,” said Janet Fairbank. Forty minute tours through the property bring students face to face and hands on with goats, pigs and other farm inhabitants, as well as the large vegetable garden containing October’s bounty of pumpkins and gourds. The farm opens again in spring for a special peek at the season’s baby animals.

On weekends, the farm opens to the public, where visitors get the chance to pet and feed some of the farm animals, then explore the vegetable garden and Hidden Bear Trail that wanders up to Stamp Maze and Pumpkin Land where pumpkins are ready to be picked.

The Fairbank farm is literally a family affair, with twin daughters Laurel and Heather, now in graduate school, lending a hand during the busy season. Son Michael and daughter Jeanna also round out the staff when needed. “We couldn’t do it without the kids,” said Fairbank.