Pumpkin patch offers fun for kids

Adults call it agritourism and children call it fun. But no matter the name, the combination of farming and outdoor entertainment is popular in Alabama in the fall.
   
As the air gets crisper and cooler, pumpkin patch farms are a booming business.
   
“These types of events are always fun because it’s something that the whole family can enjoy, and it gives the young and the young at heart an opportunity to escape the everyday humdrum of life,” said Marilyn Jones Stamps, publication coordinator for the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel. 
   
“Covered-wagon rides, a petting zoo, pony rides, picking the right pumpkin … all this is just a reminder of a simpler and more gentle time in our lives.”
   
The Dwight Jones family welcomes visitors to Blount County for fun “down on the farm” at the Original Great Pumpkin Patch, which is probably the oldest one in the state, Stamps said. 
   
Guests ride on a covered wagon filled with hay to the pumpkin patch to select the perfect pumpkin. Groups of 20 or more can reserve a moonlight ride, complete with a bonfire and refreshments.
   
The farm also offers pony rides, a hay maze, the Pumpkin Express ride for children, a petting zoo and an inflatable park. For hungry guests, the farm offers the Pie House, staffed by Bonnie Jones, Brenda Long and assistants.
   
The Jones family makes pies from the farm’s fruit, and tea cakes made from Granny Gracie Massey’s recipe are on sale. 
   
Massey made the tea cakes until she passed away in May at age 91, said Alice Jones, part owner of the pumpkin patch. 
   
“Visitors loved those famous tea cakes,” Jones said. “I will make the tea cakes from Granny’s recipe for the Original Great Pumpkin Patch this year.”
   
The homegrown “greens and beans plate,” complete with corn bread, tomatoes and onion, is also popular. Be prepared to stand in line for the popular fried apple pies.
   
Danny Jones, also a part owner of the pumpkin patch, said, “The important thing is teaching children that we are the hands and letting them know that God is the producer. We want people to enjoy God’s gifts on the farm.” 
   
The pumpkin patch will be open Sept. 29–Oct. 31, Monday through Saturday 8 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. until sunset.
   
For information call 205-647-2183 or visit www.greatpumpkinpatch.com.
   
There are several other pumpkin patch events in the state: White Farms Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch, Decatur, Sept. 10–Oct. 31; Old Baker Farm Pumpkin Patch, Harpersville, Oct. 1–31; and Spradlin Pumpkin Farm, Cullman, Oct. 1–31. 
   
For more information call 1-800-Alabama or visit www.800alabama.com/events.