Halloween is traditionally celebrated on Oct. 31 each year, and this year is no exception. In downtown West Palm Beach, Mr. Jack O’ Lanterns Pumpkin Patch has returned for another season, offering festive activities and pumpkins for Halloween enthusiasts.
The pumpkin patch, located at 419 Lakeview Ave., has operated downtown for several years. Pumpkins in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors are sold at the patch, along with a bounce house, petting zoo, tractor ride, pumpkin decorating station, and other activities.
Many varieties of pumpkins are featured at the patch. Photo Credit: Hedda Jarhall
Lizzy Basile, who has worked at the patch for four years, said families with young children make up the majority of visitors. A good number of teenagers and college students also visit, Basile said.
“The traditional orange pumpkins and the specialty ‘baseball pumpkins’ are our best sellers,” Basile said, explaining that the baseball pumpkins are small and easy to decorate at home.
While Halloween has its origins in Europe and was brought to North America by immigrants in the 19th century, Basile noted that many people believe it is a commercial holiday.
“I think a lot of people assume it was made up by the candy industry,” Basile said. “I don’t think that’s true, but I’m not totally sure why we celebrate it.”
According to the U.S. Department of State, Halloween traditions are rooted in the belief that the spirits of the dead could return to the physical world to harm people and crops.
“I love Halloween because it brings me back to my childhood. I used to dress up to go trick-or-treating and go to a Halloween party in my neighborhood with all the families there,” Basile said.
Johaira Perez is working her first year at the pumpkin patch and has grown to appreciate its warm and welcoming atmosphere for all ages.
“It’s very family-friendly. It’s a good environment for both visitors and staff, and I enjoy working in it,” she said.
Growing up, Perez loved Halloween, enjoying dressing up in costumes and going trick-or-treating to collect candy. But in recent years, she has not done anything special for Halloween.
“As I got older, it wasn’t the same anymore,” Perez said.
Instead, Christmas has become her favorite holiday, as it allows her to spend time with family.
The pumpkin patch will remain open through Halloween. On Nov. 21, it will transform into Mr. Jingles Christmas Trees, offering residents a place to buy Christmas trees for the holiday season.
By Hedda Jarhall
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