Lyon Creek, Blacksmith Road, New Tripoli, took part in the Open Gate Farm Tour, sponsored Oct. 21 by the Lehigh County Penn State Extension.

The farms on the tour represent a variety of types of agricultural associated businesses including: vineyards, Haines Mill, a pumpkin patch, orchards, livestock and vegetable farms.

Lyon Creek has a pumpkin patch for the first time.

"It's the first year for pick-your-own pumpkin," Kate Pollock said.

She provided wagons for visitors to bring their pumpkin picks to the weigh station, where she was helped by nephew Ben Pollock, 19 months.

He is the son of Kate's brother, Brad.

Kate and Brad use a section of their parents, Richard and Thelma Seidel's farm to grow pumpkins and farm market crops.

After Halloween is over, it will be time for Kate to begin thinking of the wreaths, swags and logs she will be selling at the farm market 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving.

Kate said there was little drought damage. The corn was not as tall as usual but was not seriously hurt, she explained.

Brad helped at the farmyard and took groups on walking tours of the farm.

As one youngster, Lilah, walked up the hill, she recited "March, march, march," as her little legs took her toward the pumpkin patch. "Big farm, cows and chickens and sheep."

While there are cows at the farm, there are no chickens or sheep.

Thelma Seidel said there were corn boxes for the kids to play in instead of sand boxes.

They could also paint pumpkins and there weresamples of pumpkin foods, such as cookies and butter.

Cider and popcorn were available for snacks.

"We had a very good crop, one of the best in a long while," Thelma said. "The pumpkins are good and we have a good variety."

The family thought the farm was too small for the Open Gate Tour but a neighbor urged them to try the experience.

"I enjoy seeing people have fun," she said.

She and her husband moved to New Tripoli from a rented farm in Egypt, Lehigh County.

Forty-seven years ago, they bought Lyon Creek Farm. The home farm is 80 acres and they rent additional space.

Thelma, who was born in Egypt, had to learn to milk cows and bale hay.

"But it is worth it," she said.

The largest pumpkin was sold early in the day but was left for viewing. Brad estimated it weighs 100 pounds.

"It surprises me every year," Thelma Seidel said. "I don't think anyone will come but they do."