Seasonal traditions aren’t constrained by climate.  I have celebrated many a Christmas in the southern hemisphere, sweat pouring from my brow, dripping onto the wrapping paper on my lap from a just-opened gift. Christmas doesn’t always mean snow, cold, and a warm fire. 

I have spent Easters anticipating the cool-ish rains, glad to leave the heat behind.  Easter doesn’t always mean daffodils and spring. 

Independence Day?  I remember one particular 4th of July being cold and rainy.   That’s July at high elevation near the equator. 

This week I was particularly delighted to see a fall pumpkin patch à la Hawaii.  No corn maze or hot apple cider here.  This patch was completely climate appropriate, resisting appropriation from more northern latitudes.  Mason jars with ice-cold li hing lemonade were purchased.  Instead of a fiery array of deciduous autumn leaves, tropical foliage enveloped the grounds.  Hot, cold – orange pumpkins can grow almost anywhere.  Throw in a ride behind a tractor and some local farm animals and you have a pumpkin patch.  No hot cocoa or hope of a crisp breeze necessary.

Truth be told, I didn’t search out this pumpkin patch on my own, though for some families a pumpkin patch visit with the obligatory posed photo in a field of pumpkins is an annual tradition.  However, I was a willing tagalong.  I couldn’t help but wonder, how does a Hawaiian farm do a pumpkin patch?  The answer?  Very well indeed.

What a spectacular petting zoo!  There weren’t just a couple pygmy goats and a rabbit for good measure.  This petting zoo was a legit zoo.  Gorgeous wandering chickens.  Inquisitive alpacas.  Cows, including the only two of the Scottish highlander breed on the island. Lumbering tortoises.  Donkeys. And yes, a variety of friendly goats. 

Waimanalo Country Farms has been owned and operated by the same family for generations.  Whether or not a change of seasons is in the air, they know how to manage their well-oiled pumpkin patch machine.