Party in a Pumpkin Patch
by Deb CornickFields of orange as far as the eye can see: Wandering through a pumpkin patch is otherworldly! Pick a peck of pumpkins, win a prize for the jack o'lantern, and marvel at the winner of the largest pumpkin contest. Don't forget to buy candy apples for the kids and Indian corn for your holiday centerpiece. Along with haunted houses and craft fairs, your family can have a great time just being outdoors and playing "farmer for a day."
Here's a sampling of pumpkin festivals around the country:
The Eastern and Southern United States
Return of the Pumpkin People
Jackson, NH
See the many playful creations of Pumpkin People.
Phone: 603-383-9356
Country Charm Farm Harvest and Pumpkin Festival
New Paltz, NY
Walk among fun-filled, life-size scarecrows amid panoramic views of the Shawangunk Mountains.
Phone: 914-255-4321
World Pumpkin Confederation Weigh-Off
Clarence, NY
Join growers from over 30 countries competing for the world's largest pumpkin.
Phone: 716-759-2260
Allardt Great Pumpkin Festival and Weigh-off
Allardt, TN
Enjoy a Pumpkin Weigh-Off, Cook-Off, and Run. Also, tractor and motorcycle shows.
Phone: 931-879-7125
The Midwest and Rockies
Goebbert's Pumpkin Patch
Hampshire, IL
Enjoy pumpkins, a corn stalk maze, Haunted Barn, and fresh Apple cider donuts. Phone: 847-464-5952
Grandpa John's Amazing Maze and Pumpkin Patch
Lincoln, NE
Have fun at the tall corn maze, Combine Slide, Pumpkinland, the Storybook Shed and Gingerbread House.
Phone: 402-470-2450
Circleville Pumpkin Show
Circleville, OH
Join in the hog calling, egg tossing, pie eating and pumpkin throwing contests. Don't miss the World's Largest Pumpkin Pie--350 pounds!
Phone: 740-474-2828
The Western United States
Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off
Half Moon Bay, CA
Come to the Pumpkin Capital of the World and watch some 100 growers vie for the giant pumpkin title.
Phone: 650-726-9652
Calabasas Pumpkin Festival
Calabasas, CA
Enjoy pumpkin contests and family activities among the Wild West, Native American, and Pioneer Living exhibits.
Phone: 818-222-5680
