Leaves on campus have begun to change color and fall from trees — a telltale sign of fall’s arrival, which means Halloween is only a few short weeks away.

Before the holiday arrives, the search for the perfect pumpkin to carve has begun.

Pumpkins of all shapes and sizes can be found at nearly every grocery and discount store in town, but many people prefer the fresh-off-the-farm variety.

The Berry Patch Farm in Nevada has three acres of pumpkins in a vast array of sizes, from small decorative pumpkins to those weighing more than 30 pounds.

Judy Henry, owner of the Berry Patch Farm, said most of this year’s pumpkins fall in the medium to large range. Henry charges 25 cents per pound for her pumpkins.

“This year, the wet weather has kept some of the pumpkins from getting as big as we like, but we still have plenty to chose from,” said Henry, who has been in the business since 1973.

Henry said the Berry Patch Farm also has a field of decorative gourds and an apple orchard where cider is made every weekend.

The Storybook Orchard south of Story City also offers a wide selection of autumn treats and decorations.

Zahra Younes, owner of Storybook Orchard, said she has plenty of pumpkins as well as fresh honey and apple cider to offer visitors. She said all the pumpkins at her farm are $1.50, regardless of size.

“The best part about coming out to our farm is the experience,” Henry said.

“We offer free horse-drawn hayrack rides out to the patch every Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m,” she said.

Henry said the farm experience provides people with the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the fall weather while seeing how the pumpkins are grown.

“I think the kids and the adults really enjoy the opportunity to find that special pumpkin out in the field,” Henry said.

Jaime Perkins, junior in graphic design, has bought pumpkins at farms in the past.

“I remember going to the pumpkin patch with my family when I was a kid,” said Perkins, a native of Apple Valley, Minn. “My favorite part was looking for the best pumpkin and trying to out-do my older brother. I also liked the apple cider when we were done.”

Henry said business at pumpkin farms usually picks up in October and remains busy throughout the month.