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VIDEO: Crowds fill Vancouver Island pumpkin patch to prepare for Halloween

Some 1,500 people visited Michell's pumpkin patch in Saanichton

Michell’s pumpkin patch off Pat Bay Highway on Island View welcomed over 1,500 people on Saturday, Oct. 26.

Despite the wet and muddy conditions, the farm was abuzz on the last weekend before Halloween.

People carrying pumpkins on their shoulders, wheel barrows zigzagging the field, toddlers attempting to pick up pumpkins almost as big as they are and groups of young and old making sure they get their social media photos right.

“What is more wholesome and nostalgic than a pumpkin patch,” says Nicole Verhagen, daughter of Terry Michell, one of the owners of the family-run farm.

Jason Goodwin who came from Victoria to pick up some pumpkins, has been coming to Michell’s since he was a kid.

“It’s a little place to gather and come out with some friends this autumn.”

The pumpkin patch has been in the same location for 20 years, growing multiple varieties that come in different colours, shapes and sizes.

This year, Michell’s added three new props to give guests more opportunities to have fun with their photos – a mannequin pulling a boat complete with oars, a spooky car courtesy of Scary Jack, and a big photo wall bearing the farm name with hay bale seats.

Michell’s has been a part of the Saanich Peninsula farming community for 150 years.