Hillsboro church returns with bigger, better pumpkin patch

PumpkinPatchWashmonPA099773.jpg
PumpkinPatchWashmonPA099773.jpg

Whitney Washmon and her son, 10-month-old Dwight, shopped for a pumpkin Thursday at the First Mennonite Church on the corner of Ash and Grand. Ken Neufeld, one of the volunteers selling pumpkins, helped them make just the right choice.

PumpkiinPatchKenPA099760.jpg

Ken Neufeld adjusts the display of pumpkins that surround the church sign.

With more than 1,500 pumpkins on sale at the First Mennonite Church in Hillsboro, Halloween enthusiasts shouldn?t have any trouble finding their ideal Jack O?Lantern.

The ?Pumpkin Patch? opened Sunday, Oct. 5, and will remain open through Friday, Oct. 31. Now in its second year, all proceeds will be used to fund youth activities from babies to college students, said Ken Neufeld, one of the volunteers.

Last year?s money went toward playground equipment.

Pumpkins aren?t the only things for sale. A variety of jellies, gourds, corn shocks, straw bales and more is available, Neufeld said.

In addition, the book ?Pumpkin Patch Treasures,? illustrated by church children, ages 3-8, features history of pumpkins, carving, decorating, games and recipes.

T-shirts are also on sale with revenue helping to purchase new toys for the church nursery and pre-school, he said.

Visitors are encouraged to bring a camera and photograph children at one of the many Halloween scenes.

Pumpkin Patch hours are: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Everyone also is invited to attend the fall carnival starting at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, and a chili supper beginning at 5 p.m.

Both events will be at the church.

The fall carnival will include pumpkin bowling, carnival rides, moonwalk/bouncers, pop-a-shot, bobbing for apples, face painting and crafts and a hay rack ride.

The dinner is by donation.

More from Hillsboro Free Press
Peabody to host state baseball tourney for 9-and-under teams this weekend
A 9-and-Under baseball state tournament is being held this weekend at Peabody...
Read More