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Keeping up with local fall traditions, East Texans eagerly flocked to area pumpkin patches Saturday. Among the patches celebrating opening day this weekend was Plantation Pines in Tyler.

Plantation Pines kicked off its “Fall on the Farm” event, transitioning from spring tulips and summer berries to pumpkin patches. Known for its Christmas Tree farm in the winter, residents were excited to see pumpkins make their season debut at the farm, located at 10098 CR 429 in Tyler.

The owners say their farm is a place where people can simply enjoy themselves and the crisp fall air.

“We really tell people that we have no agenda here. It’s slower paced, there’s no schedule. Just come out and enjoy time with family,” said owner Heather Reed. “We offer hay rides, and of course we have pumpkins. We have plenty of things for the kids to play on. We just want families to come out and enjoy being outside together to just kick off the season of fall.”

Different activities are featured at the farm for kids and families. Reed said there are “plenty of photo opportunities.”

In addition to the hay rides, “we have a corn pit which is a big hit with my kids, and a play area with picnic tables,” said Reed.

Together with her husband Burren Reed, the Reeds have looked after the farm for eight years. It is a family-operated farm, and the rest of the family helps out.

“Today I’m helping her with checking out customers if they need help figuring out where the bathroom is or whatever questions they have, I’m here to help with that,” said Reed’s sister-in-law Amanda. “I just love pumpkins. So having them on the farm and being able to do multiple things with them, just getting to enjoy everything that fall has to offer, I love that we can bring that little touch.”

This is the fourth year Plantation Pines has pumpkins. While Plantation Pines is known for growing its Christmas trees, the pumpkins aren’t grown on their farm — at least not yet, anyway.

“We actually don’t grow these pumpkins,” said Reed. “We’re working on growing our own pumpkins, but growing things is a process. This is our fourth year to bring in pumpkins; they come from West Texas. We’re hoping within the next few years to be able to grow ours. Last year we had a drought that really affected us and this year we’re still working out some kinks. Hopefully we’ll have some soon.”

Plantation Pines changes with each and every season, and Reed said there’s always something for everyone to enjoy.

“I feel like every time we change in season is always great for everybody. It’s new and it’s fun. Fall into winter, and winter into spring there’s just a newness about a new season and new beginnings, and new times, and we’re excited to have people out in different seasons on the farm. Of course we have winter with Christmas trees, spring with tulips this is another opportunity to welcome in fall and have people out to enjoy spending time together.”

Hours are Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sundays from 1 to 6 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 1 to 2 p.m. Admission to the farm is always free.

Plantation Pines is located at 10098 County Road 429 in Tyler.

Other area pumpkin patches include:

Blueberry Ridge Farm

Blueberry Ridge Farm in Mineola will open Oct. 5 and be open to the general public 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday. There is a $5 general admission fee which includes a hayride, or $10 for admission with all other activities included. Pumpkins range from $2 to $15. The farm is at 2785 E U.S. 80, Ste 804 in Mineola. For more information, visit blueberryridgefarm.com/pumpkinpatch.html.

Calie’s Acre

Calie’s Acre opens its patch for the season Oct. 1. Along with pumpkins, the attraction offers a hayride, sunflower field and more fall activities. Calie’s Acre is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. It’s at 10589 Texas 300 in Gilmer. Admission is $10 and includes hay ride, bouncy balls, board maze, tug a war, playground and more. Gem mining is available for an extra fee. For information, call (903) 295-2000 or visit facebook.com/Caliesacrepumpkinpatch.

First Christian Church

First Christian Church in Tyler has opened its pumpkin patch for the season. The church is at 4202 S. Broadway Ave.

Lanes Chapel Methodist

Lanes Chapel Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch is open through Oct. 31. The patch is open 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday thru Friday; 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Saturday; and noon until 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free, and games and rides are offered for children. All profits from pumpkin sales go toward outreach ministries. The church is at 8720 Old Jacksonville Highway in Tyler.

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church Pumpkin Patch is set to open Oct. 5 for its 20th year. The patch will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday through October. The church is at 214 College Ave. in Henderson.

Yesterland Farm

Yesterland Farm has opened its annual fall festival. Through November, the festival will offer pumpkins, sunflowers, corn maze, photo opportunities, rides, festival treats and more attractions. During October, it is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Spooktacular Nights are dark until 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays in October. In November, the farm is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. The farm is at 15410 Interstate 20 in Canton. Visit its website for more details at yesterlandfarm.com/fall-festival.