All six first-grade classes at McNary Heights Elementary School got an early Halloween surprise Wednesday when they were taken to a man-made pumpkin patch and hay maze behind the school.

The students had their choice of more than 100 pumpkins of assorted colors, shapes and sizes from which to pick and take home. The pumpkins were donated by kindergarten teacher Charlotte Bettesworths family farm.

Students also had the chance to run through a hay maze that was organized by first-grade teacher Charlotte Engelhart.

Engelhart said the hay was provided by the Steve Walker Farm and Northwest Farm Supply.

Englehart said the idea for the pumpkin patch came out of the children knowing they couldnt go to the pumpkin patch this year.

They were so excited to see the pumpkins out on the grass on the playground, she said. They couldnt stop talking about it.

Kindergarten and preschool students also got visit the pumpkin patch because there were more than enough pumpkins to go around, Engelhart said.

The Halloween-inspired event combined to be a part of the first-grade and kindergarten harvest celebration and Halloween parties at the elementary school.

Students could take their assorted pumpkins home to their families to celebrate the main holiday Thursday.

Bettesworth said both the maze and pumpkin patch are very important traditions at McNary.

This was an amazing opportunity for the student as they got to have an experience that they may not have otherwise had the opportunity to (have), she said.

The patch is a tradition that we hope to continue to grow … It is backed by the support of the community, and without all of our volunteers, it would not be possible … This event is the making of a strong team of people who care about the students and will go the extra mile to put a smile on their face.