Despite the chilly start to the day, the weekend forecast is looking bright, just in time for some family fun before Halloween. At Autumn Adventures, located just outside Portage la Prairie, owner Sam Connery-Nichol is gearing up for a warm and festive weekend filled with pumpkin carving, corn mazes, and community spirit in support of a cause close to her heart. Connery-Nichol and her family are hosting their second annual Jack-o’-Lanterns Pumpkin Carving for CancerCare, an event that combines fall fun with a heartfelt purpose. “Jack is our neighbour, and our son is just a couple of months older than him,” she explains. “When Jack was diagnosed with leukemia last year, it was such a shock. But seeing how well he and his family have handled everything has been amazing. He’s now on maintenance care, and he and our son even ride the bus to kindergarten together.” The event, held at the farm, invites families to carve pumpkins under a heated tent while supporting children with cancer in Manitoba. A minimum donation of $30 secures a one-hour time slot, which includes pumpkins, carving space, and, best of all, no cleanup. “You don’t have to do any of the setup or cleanup. You get to do the fun parts, carve your pumpkins, take them home, and leave me with the mess. All donations go directly to CancerCare’s children’s programs.” In addition to the fundraiser, visitors can explore Autumn Adventures’ 10-acre maze, complete with a hidden puzzle, or climb the popular bale pyramid. Tractor rides, a pumpkin truck, and plenty of photo ops make the farm a go-to fall destination for all ages. "Since there's no school on Friday, we'll be open extra. Friday and Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. There’s lots to see and do, including the Moonlight Maze, and it’s a great way to celebrate fall close to home.” To book a carving time or learn more, residents can call 204-428-3924 or message on Facebook or Instagram. As pumpkins light up the fields and laughter fills the air, Connery-Nichol says the event is about more than just Halloween fun; it’s about community, kindness, and hope. “Giving families a way to do something fun together while supporting kids like Jack makes it all worth it.” ~With files from Brittany Boschman Sign up to get the latest local news headlines delivered directly to your inbox every afternoon. Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@portageonline.com. PortageOnline encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the PortageOnline app.