CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - It's the first day of October, which means it's time to get into the spooky season, and what better way to get in the spirit than pumpkin picking! The top 10 taco spots in western Massachusetts Pumpkins of all shapes and sizes can be picked at farms all across western Massachusetts. From September to October, you can pick your own pumpkins for fall festivities. Mass.gov has created a map of the best places to pick your own pumpkins in western Massachusetts. Pick your own pumpkin patches Red Fire Farm – 7 Carver Street, Granby Fletcher Farm – 17 Gunn Road, Southampton McCray’s Country Creamery – 55 Alvord Street, South Hadley Rytuba Pumpkin Farm – 97 Bay Road, Hadley Echo Hill Orchards Winery & Distillery – 101 Wilbraham Road, Monson Hicks Family Farm Corn Maze – 1299 MA-2 E, Charlemont Silver Bell Farm – 305 Silver Street, Monson Pumpkin fun facts The word “pumpkin” comes from the Greek word “pepon,” which means “large melon.” More than 1 billion pounds of pumpkin are produced in the United States every year. The average pumpkin weighs in at approximately 13 pounds. Pumpkins are 90% water. And they float. A pumpkin is a fruit because it comes from a flower and has seeds. The average pumpkin has approximately 500 seeds. Most pumpkins are orange because they contain a pigment called “carotene.” Carrots are another carotenoid-rich food. Pumpkins come in many different colors, including orange, yellow, green, white, and blue. Pumpkins are grown on every continent except Antarctica. Every part of the pumpkin is edible. You can eat the root, stem, leaves, fruit, and seeds. Local News Headlines What to expect for October weather in Massachusetts Massachusetts lawmakers demand answers on price-gouging study between Stop & Shop locations Cedar Street in Sturbridge closed due to water main break Magic for Maddie 5K and Carnival fundraiser in Holyoke for brain cancer research WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.