San José State University students gathered on the lawn of the Associated Students (AS) House to enjoy a fall-themed pumpkin patch event on Wednesday. 

The Pumpkin Patch event was hosted by the Associated Students and brought pumpkins for students to paint and decorate. 

Camille Lerasan, a fourth-year civil engineering student, was one of dozens students at the AS House Pumpkin patch event.

“So this event was a pumpkin patch event to bring the students together to get into the fall spirit before homecoming,” Lerasan said. 

Pumpkins have been grown for centuries – some even say longer than corn – and in Sonoma County’s farming communities, pumpkin patches have deep roots, according to a 2021 Press Democrat article. 

Smriti Jha, a fourth-year computer science major, is the AS director of co-curricular affairs, and helped organize the event.

“Everyone likes to go to pumpkin patches, but not everyone can go to one just because of, like, a lot of students who live on campus or some commute and they don’t have the time,” Jha said. 

One of the closest pumpkin patches to SJSU is Spina Farms Pumpkin Patch off Santa Teresa Blvd and Laguna Ave, according to Google Maps. 

Pumpkin patches bring together the best parts of fall – time outdoors, changing colors, and simple family fun.

This piece has explored what makes them so appealing, along with tips for choosing pumpkins, decorating, and enjoying the season, according to a 2020 Todd Wenzel Article.

Ava Douangphachanh, a first-year mechanical engineering major, attended the event and said it was a great way to meet new people. 

“I think it’s a really great opportunity to hang out with your friends, especially after a stressful midterm week or stressful assignments, and it’s just a it gets you in the spirit for the

Season,” Douangphachanh said.

When students arrived at the event, they were able to choose a pumpkin and paint it, no food was provided for students, but boba teas were provided, according to the AS SJSU Instagram page. 

“I think it’s a really great opportunity to hang out with your friends, especially after a stressful midterm week or stressful assignments,” Lerasan said.  

Pumpkin patches have long been a favorite part of fall, but they’re changing along with the world around them.

It’s about how these seasonal spots continue to find their place in modern life and what their future might look like, according to a 2020 Todd Wenzel Article.

Jha mentioned that the AS Programming Board is planning on hosting a Valentine’s day event as well as a TEDx Event. 

“So one event that we’re also planning for next semester is a TEDx event. So that’s something that’s in the works … other events that we’re thinking of doing, is a Valentine’s Day event,” Jha said 

A TEDx event is a locally organized version of the well-known TED Talks, where speakers and performers share ideas with their community.

Each one is planned and run by local organizers, giving every event its own focus and style, according to a Ted Talks Article. 

Pumpkin patches aren’t just about picking out a pumpkin for Halloween — it captures the spirit of fall itself.

This section looks at what makes them so special, from their long history and seasonal atmosphere to the way they bring people together, according to a 2020 Todd Wenzel Article.

“Another thing we were planning to do is the AS House lighting. It’s kind of like a tree lighting, but instead, we light up the house for Christmas, Jha said

Not every pumpkin patch offers the same experience.

This section looks at how to find one that fits what you’re looking for, whether it’s a small family-run farm or a big, activity-filled destination.

It breaks down what to keep in mind before you go, like location, size, crowds, cost and how to pick the kind of spot that makes your fall outing worth the trip, according to a 2020 Todd Wenzel Article.

“My favorite thing so far is painting pumpkins with my friends. We just keep looking for inspo and then making funny inside jokes, like bearing in just creating fun memories, Douangphachanh said.

Pumpkin patches have a lot more to offer than just pumpkins. Many include things like corn mazes, petting zoos, and apple picking that turn a simple visit into a full fall outing, according to a 2020 Todd Wenzel article.

“We just try to do cute little things because my role in Co-Curricular Affairs is all about getting students involved,” Jha said.