Gilbert farm says heat impacts pumpkins, crowds at fall activities

GILBERT, AZ (AZFamily) — Saturday could be the hottest day of this heatwave that’s stretching from the last week of September to the start of October. Our First Alert Weather team expects temps to be around 114 on Saturday and around 111 on Sunday.

Mother Nature’s Farm in Gilbert holds a big fall event every year.

The event includes a pumpkin patch, hay rides, animals to feed, and other activities for the whole family.

Wade Kelsall, one of the family members who helps run the farm, says the heat can lead to smaller crowds.

“In warm seasons, the first two weeks, if they’re warm, people don’t show up like they do later,” Kelsall said. “Pumpkins never do well in the heat.”

He says they are trying to keep as many pumpkins in the shade as possible and rotate the ones in the sun.

They are also making sure all the animals have enough water and shaded spots to cool off in this unusually late heat wave.

The farm is open every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. He is urging everyone who comes this weekend to arrive in the morning or wait until the evening when the sun goes down.

“Go out early. We’re open at 9 a.m. It’s not really hot until afternoon. If I didn’t have to be outside I wouldn’t be outside. Go out after the sun goes down,” Kelsall said.

The farm opened last weekend when it was cooler and Kelsall said it was a solid start to their season.

September and October are their busiest months, accounting for about 85% of their yearly business. Kelsall hopes cooler temperatures in October will bring the typical crowds they see on weekends.

Tickets to get in are $15 per person for anyone who is above 11 months old. Cash is the only money accepted once inside the farm.

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