Finding the largest pumpkin was the mission for 42 Southwind Montessori students Thursday afternoon.

Children ages 3-7, accompanied by their teachers, followed the mowed path to a pumpkin patch behind the school at Highway 9 and West Imhoff Road.

Carol Zerboni, owner of Southwind Montessori School, said pumpkin picking is an annual event for Southwind students.

"They're so excited, they can't see straight," Zerboni said.

She said the outdoor exercise teaches children about life cycles. Students have been studying the planting process regarding pumpkins.

"I'm gonna get a pumpkin bigger than the world," one boy said as he walked to the patch.

As soon as Zerboni's class arrived at the field, each student ran to a pumpkin.

Pepper Haraway said each year, he plants pumpkins for the kids. The patch serves as an education lesson.

"This way, they know where pumpkins come from," he said.

Haraway said children are encouraged to take home a pumpkin and turn it into a jack-o'-lantern.

Lily Arnold, 5, already knew how she wanted her pumpkin to look when she picked one from the patch.

"Last year, I colored it, so this year I'm probably gonna paint it black and brown," Arnold said.

She and her friend Rylee Vogel, 6, were discussing their Halloween costumes as they waited to pick their pumpkins.

Vogel said she has already selected her costume: a hippie.

Arnold has a different costume in mind.