Sunshine and unseasonably warm temperatures are in the forecast for the launch of pumpkin and hayride season at McMillan Farms, in South Kelowna.

McMillan Farms opens to the public on Saturday, Sept. 25. The regular hours are Sunday to Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“In a normal year we might have had probably 15,000 people, but that was pre-COVID. So last year, we were probably about half of that at least. This year, we’re expecting a little bit more, but it’s very hard to tell at this point what it’s going to be,” said owner Ron McMillan.

Some COVID-19 restrictions remain in place. Visitors will have to purchase tickets in advance and provincial health restrictions mean the capacity at the farm is about 100 people. Masks are mandatory on the hayrides, and people will be asked to maintain a 2 metre distance between different family groups.

Some of the attractions include a pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayrides and a giant slingshot.

McMillan enjoys giving families who live in the city a chance to experience a taste of farm life.

“The farm is 110 acres in size. It stretches right now to Mission Creek, so sometimes we can go down there this time of year and see some of the Kokanee if there’s some that are running. They certainly get to see lots of animals on the farm, and lots of different scenery that they might otherwise not get to see,” McMillan said.

After Thanksgiving, the farm will be transformed for Halloween fun and displays. The season is set to wrap up on Oct. 31.