Golden leaves fall to the ground and the temperature drops: fall is here in Salida, Colorado. This turn in the weather means that the local pumpkin patch begins to get ready for this year’s fun fall festivities. This event was led by Guidestone and many volunteers help out each year to keep the pumpkin patch running smoothly. The pumpkin patch has been an essential pillar of the community for nineteen years. Families are starting to look forward to pumpkin picking, hayrides, and apple cider. This year Salida’s pumpkin patch added a couple new events.
Children ran along the fields picking out the perfect pumpkin and enjoying the fresh, crisp autumn air. Executive director of Guidestone Andrea Earley Coen said, “I love horse drawn wagon rides and I love being around the pumpkins.” The pumpkin patch had many activities for families such as fall crafts, face painting, yard games, horse drawn wagon rides and a hay maze. They also had a variety of seasonal food options from all over Salida. This included soup from Bunny and Clyde’s and Amicas, as well as breakfast burritos from Mo Burrito.
One of the most popular attractions of the pumpkin patch are the animals. Hutchinson ranch is home to many animals such as Delbert the Donkey, a goat named Pancake, and even a turkey! People were able to pet the goats and feed the turkey and chickens, allowing for an interactive environment for kids.
Local musicians kept the pumpkin patch lively while volunteers face painted and pressed fresh apple cider to be served at the food booth. The food stands had fall desserts such as pumpkin bread and cookies, as well as more savory items and drinks.
Zy Boone, a sophomore at Salida High School, said, “The pumpkin patch is a tradition I look forward to every year!” The pumpkin patch can be a great place for people to get together with friends and family and spend time outdoors while enjoying fun fall activities.
The staff have been working hard to prepare the Guidestone Pumpkin Patch for its season since August. They prepare for the busy fall season by having their organizing committee plan out the activities. This year the pumpkin patch added a variety of new events to keep things fresh. The special events added this year were an after hours chili cook off and a hoedown.
Andrea Earley Coen stated, “The goal for the chili cook off is to invite people who maybe don’t have little kids but still would want to come and be a part of the Pumpkin Patch. It’s intended to kind of reach out to more of an adult audience.” The staff is looking for more engagement and awareness during the harvest season. The pumpkin patch can be a wonderful opportunity to get pumpkins for carving and do fall-themed activities while having fun with the family. Another new addition this year was the opportunity for guests to purchase new Guidestone t-shirts. There were so many fun activities to try out and enjoy at the pumpkin patch this year. Whether you stayed all day or only came for a couple of hours the pumpkin patch was a perfect way to spend an autumn day!
