Pumpkin Patch

October 5 – October 31
Monday-Friday 11a-7pm | Weekends 12:30-7pm

This year marks Hockessin UMC’s 4th annual pumpkin patch and the planning has already begun. We anticipate a delivery of about 3000 pumpkins, plus specialty pumpkins, and gourds (scarecrows and bales of hay will also be available for purchase). Organized by our Director of Youth and Family Ministries – Ms. Dawn (affectionately known as “the Pumpkin Lady” throughout the month of October) – a lot of hard work, planning, and MANY dedicated volunteers coming together is what makes this fundraiser fun and successful. 

Held during the entire month of October, visitors from all over the Tri-state area come to pick their favorite pumpkins, play games, participate in events, and take lots of pictures with family and friends. Admission, parking (overflow at PAL Center across the street from the church), and kids’ activities are free. Food will be available for purchase during the weekends at the Hungry Gourd Café. Snacks and baked goods may be purchased most days during the week.

The Pumpkin Patch “Special Events” calendar will be posted prior to the opening of the patch. Some events may include: movie night in the Patch, face painting, themed days, Trunk or Treat, live music.

Leftover pumpkins are donated to Woodside Creamery to feed their livestock and compost.

People often wonder where we get our 3000+ pumpkins every year. It’s actually a pretty cool story. We work with Pumpkin Patch Fundraisers, whose farming operations are on a Navajo Indian Reservation in Farmington, NM. In cooperation with the Navajo Nation, they grow 1,200 acres (or approximately 2 square miles of pumpkins and employee over 700 Native Americans during our harvest months of September and October. They also have a full time off-season NM staff that is comprised of entirely Native Americans. This has a positive and lasting impact on a region with 42% unemployment. Read their full story here:

https://www.pumpkinsusa.com/about-us/#our-story