TRI-CITIES, Wash. – Since they opened to the public in 2013, Middleton Farms has been a staple in the Tri-Cities for their seasonal events, and exists within a larger context of Agritourism: a growing trend that connects cities and towns to the agricultural communities within them.
Wake Up NonStop Local spoke with Scott Middleton, one of the brothers who own the farm. Middleton shared the farm’s background, saying that his grandfather moved to the Kahlotus area before his father started the farm in 1974.
Later, in 2013, they began hosting a fall festival, and even later, tulip, sunflower, and strawberry festivals. “The idea was just to bring people out to the farm kind of get their hands dirty,” Middleton said.
Middleton also emphasized the importance of continually evolving the farm’s offerings. “One of my mentors told me– always add something every year,” he said.
Visitors have a variety of attractions to enjoy at Middleton Farms’ Fall Festival. The mega tube slide is a favorite, along with the popular pumpkin donuts. This year, turkey legs have been introduced, which Scott Middleton described as one of his favorites.
The farm offers free activities, such as cornhole, photo opportunities, and a pumpkin and gourd market. Visitors can also explore this year’s Lego-themed corn maze.
Middleton Farms is offering a two-for-one special for Halloween and extending the festival into the weekend. There are special plans for Dia de los Muertos on Saturday afternoon, including a mariachi band.
Middleton also discussed the growing trend of agritourism, where farms become community event centers.
“I think the heart behind it is to have the community be engaged in our agricultural community as well,” he said.
“Tying that in and showing people that we can get away from our phones, get away from technology, get our hands dirty…because agriculture is obviously still a big part of this community,” Middleton said.
