Gail’s Pumpkin Patch celebrates fall, family and farm at special Sunday event

[September 19, 2019]     Sunday began with rain. Not a heavy rain, but one of those that instantly leaves a person with impression it could last all day. For those anticipating a fun day at Gail’s Pumpkin Patch they may have had some second thoughts about how the day would work out. Fortunately, the rain did not last all day and by noontime, the sun was out and it was warming up nicely at the pumpkin patch.

Because of the rain, the day did get off to a slow start, but shortly after opening time, folks started showing up.

Guests had a lot to look forward to as it was Fall Farm Day at the patch, which meant several extra activities in addition to the fun and games found at the patch every day of the week.

Inside the machine shed turned market there was pumpkin painting and face painting for the kids. Outside, Nuthatch Hill was selling food items for lunch, and inside, guests could purchase a tasty caramel apple sundae from the clerk staff at Gail’s.

Gail’s is a great place for family fun. Around the huge grassy area at the market families enjoyed the many activities and attractions. The kids enjoyed the bumpy slide and the goats and chickens. Even the grown-ups got involved with the tricycle path. All the while cellphones were poised for capturing the moment with pictures and videos.

The popcorn wagon was on the road and visitors had the opportunity to go to the field and pick fresh ears of popping corn right off the stalks.

Inside the market area, staff were busy as the cash register rang up purchases of pumpkins and gourds, and decorator items for outdoors or inside the home.

Gail’s also offers apples grown on the farm. This year the trees are loaded with red and gold apples, and bags of the beautiful fruit were offered for sale inside.

The shop also offers honey from Sasse Apiary, pre-picked popcorn from the farm, and a variety of Amish made products such as jams, jellies, and butters made from apples and even pumpkin!

Gail’s also offers mums for sale from a local farm, and guests were loading the big beautiful plants into their wagons and looking forward to adding the popular fall flower to their landscape at home.

The patch is also a large supporter of raising awareness for breast cancer. The pink pumpkin was mounted at the grape arbor and breast cancer survivors were encouraged to write their name on the pumpkin in celebration of their victory or recognition of the battle.

All in all, in spite of the soggy start to the day, it ended up being a great day to visit the patch, and those who made the journey were not disappointed with the wonderful friendly atmosphere and all the fun things to do as a family.

The patch is open daily now through the end of October, so if you missed last week, you still have plenty of opportunities. Load up the grandparents, parents, and kiddos and go out and celebrate fall and the upcoming Halloween season at Gail’s!

[Nila Smith]