Vella Farms on Dale Road in neighboring Modesto has been hosting a pumpkin patch this month and had a special event in observance of World Polio Day on Oct. 24. Throughout the month, kids could visit the pumpkin patch, purchase a pumpkin and take it home for the Halloween observance, with proceeds supporting local causes. The Rotary Club of Salida, Visually Impaired Persons Support and Children’s Crisis Centers were the beneficiaries, said owner Janice Vella. Here, youngsters focus on their pumpkin art; purple is the signature color of the Rotary’s polio eradication effort, said Salida Rotary President Paul Sessa.

Times Photo By Marg Jackson