IT IS almost the time of year when families scour the land for the perfect pumpkin ahead of Hallowe'en.
In the 19th century, when a lot of Irish people immigrated to the United States, they brought the Hallowe'en tradition of using vegetables to scare the spirits away.
In America, the Irish discovered a new vegetable, the pumpkin, which is harvested in the autumn, and began using it to scare the evil spirits.
These traditions were adopted across Britain and nowadays picking the perfect pumpkin is part of British life.
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Everyone loves a good pumpkin for Hallowe'en and it's even more exciting if you can pick your own.
Pumpkin festivals and events are running at various sites in and around Powys where kiddies can pick their own to take home - and enjoy a host of other activities too.
Here's where you can take the family for some fun.
Brynllys in Llanbrynmair
Pick your own pumpkins on October 21-22 from 10am-12pm and 2pm to 4pm.
If you enjoyed it then why not give it another go on October 23 and October 27 from 3.45-5pm.
There will also be a sand pit, crafts and photo opportunities with proceeds going to Eisteddfod Maldwyn 2024.
To book your places click here
Powell's Pumpkin Patch, New Radnor
Don't miss out on picking your own pumpkin at the well known patch at Llanfihangel Nant Melan, near New Radnor in Radnorshire.
Opening from October 7th for weekends and selected weekdays during the month.
Take a walk out to Powell's Pumpkin Patch, soak up the scenery, meet the animals, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the great outdoors which mid Wales has to offer.
And best of all you can pick your own pumpkin from a variety of colours and sizes from Jill Be Little to the Atlantic Giant (subject to availability).
There is also a well ventilated spooky barn to provide shelter on the rainy October days so if you don't feel like venturing out to the pumpkin patch you can buy one in the barn.
There will be "leave the mess here" socially distanced, pumpkin carving stations if you want to carve your pumpkins and leave all the seedy mess behind.
This means after your visit you can go home with your carved pumpkin, a colourful carving kit and a tea light so you are all set for Hallowe'en (additional charges apply).
You can also take a walk up to see the giant pumpkin letters which are on the way to the ancient Tomen Castle and children can play in the Cinderella carriage, hay bale castle and pumpkin pod.
Booking is essential and to ensure your place click here.
Kerry Vale, near Sarn
Pumpkin Pickers can expect more than 10,000 pumpkins ofall different shapes, colours and varieties.
The patch is open from 10.30am-4.30pm every weekend during October with admission £2 per adult and children are allowed in for free. No need to book, just turn up
Please wear suitable footwear as the field will be muddy
Delicious cakes, hot and cold drinks and refreshments will also be available and lots of photo opportunities and fun games to keep you all entertained.
On Friday, October 20th Sarn YFC members will also be in attendance from 7pm for their annual Party at the Pumpkins.
Bontnewydd, Meifod
The farm is open every weekend throughout October from 10am to 3pm with free entry and no booking required.
Newbridge Farm/Fferm Bontneydd, is a mixed farm on the outskirts of Meifod in mid Wales and is home to the confluence of the rivers Banwy and Vyrnwy.
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