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The Pumpkin Patch at Richmond Country Farms

As surprising at it may seem for someone who grew up in Canada, I’ve never been to a pumpkin patch until last week. I’m originally from Czechoslovakia and eastern Europeans don’t recognize the British traditions related to Halloween which include picking and carving pumpkins.

Richmond Country Farms hosts a pumpkin patch each year around this time. I see it each year, but this year I took my family there during a professional development day at school. The Richmond Country Farm is a great place to buy fruits and vegetables that are locally grown. They also offer organic produce which is local as well which is a better choice for healthy eating.

The pumpkin patch is open from October 9 to 31 and there is dedicated parking for it beside the farmer’s market. The entrance fee is $10 for adults and $5 for kids and they accept credit cards. You’ll get one bag per person to carry a pumpkin that you pick. I advise you to wear clothes that you don’t mind getting muddy and boots, of which I came with neither and left the farm very dirty. :)

Overall, it was a great experience and I’ll make it a tradition to go each year to a pumpkin patch.

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You have to walk by a few animals before entering the gate and paying the entrance fee. I think that’s the sheep from the Real Player software. If you’ve never seen a lama close up, this is a great place to view one.

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Homes for the farm animals.

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The ducks have a place to live too.

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Vegetables welcoming you at the entrance gate.

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The bridge to the fun area.

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This is the first time I’ve seen a corn and pumpkin dance.

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Finally! The ride to the pumpkin patch, accompanied by singing and country music along the way.

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The pumpkin princess and her castle.

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One of the three pumpkin patches available. Its muddier than it looks.

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Opening Celebration for 2010 Winter Olympics at Richmond Ozone

The opening celebration for 2010 Winter Olympics at the Richmond O Zone had far less than the 25,000 people who attended the torch relay last Wednesday, so it was easier moving around today.

After taking these photos, I realize that I need a better camera for taking pictures at night. SLR’s are the best choice but there are also high end point-and-shoot cameras that can produce similar quality.

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Fireworks at the end of the opening celebration:

2010 Olympic Torch Community Celebration in Richmond, BC

There are increasing number of visitors arriving in Vancouver for the Olympics. I’m hearing more and more different language and the police have a very strong presence around the Olympic sites and major transportation sites. The feeling of excitement over the Olympics are growing among the people here, in spite of the lack of snow which is causing problems on the sites near Vancouver.

The Olympic Village in Vancouver

These are some of the buildings where the many athletes will be staying. After the games are over, they will be offered to prospective buyers.

A building in the Olympic Village Another building in the Olympic Village

A cross street near the Olympic Village

The Richmond O Zone

The Richmond O Zone was an overnight stop for the Olympic Torch on February 9. 25,000 people came here for the celebration and it was very difficult moving around. It took my daughter and myself about one hour to get close to the stage. The interesting thing is that many people were giving up trying to get closer and while walking out of the venue, they were trying to convince others to leave with them. Being the persistent person that I am, I decided to keep moving forward and as the photos show, it was worth the effort.

Entrance to the Richmond O Zone

Only 25,000 People to Pass to Get to the Stage

Very Close to the Stage

The Olympic Torch at the Richmond O Zone

Finishing the Celebration with Fireworks

Vancouver, 4 Days Before 2010 Winter Olympics

Vancouver