North Augusta Celebrates Fall with Enchanting Pumpkin Patch Experience

North Augusta Welcomes Fall with a Vibrant Pumpkin Patch

As the air turns crisp and the leaves start to show their fiery hues, North Augusta is bustling with excitement at the beloved St. Bartholomew’s Pumpkin Patch. This lively patch kicked off its season on October 13 and will remain open through October 28—or perhaps even until the 30th if there are any pumpkins still left!

A Sea of Pumpkins

Each year, the patch transforms a hillside into a colorful display of about 5,000 pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. This year marks the 28th anniversary of St. Bartholomew’s festival, which delights the community with its vibrant offerings. The shipment, filled with round, oblong, and even mottled varieties, made its way from the Atlanta Farmer’s Market, expertly transported by locals from Darrell Griffis Trucking.

Fun fact: out of the 5,000 pumpkins that arrived, only three were a bit worse for wear. Joe Zellers, one of the enthusiastic organizers, mentioned that any damaged pumpkins go to nearby farmers, whose pigs enjoy the feast while their chickens find comfort in the warmth of the pumpkin remains.

Memorable Moments

The pumpkin patch is not just a place to pick the perfect pumpkin; it has become a hub for community spirit and family fun. On a picture-perfect autumn day, a dozen eager preschoolers from the Grace United Methodist Child Development Center gathered for a delightful story time. John Good, a volunteer, enchanted the little ones with the tale of “Spookley the Square Pumpkin”, igniting their imaginations and filling their hearts with joy.

Parents like Abby Croft, who visited with her son Liam, expressed how special the pumpkin patch experience was. “We’re so happy to dive into the fall spirit,” she said, while encouraging her little one to choose a pumpkin for his mom. Nearby, Mimi Murray helped her son Link explore the patch, navigating through the vibrant display of pumpkins.

Learning About Pumpkins

The nursery kids have been soaking up knowledge about pumpkins in their classes, learning about how they grow and their many uses. Lauren Vande-Stouwe, a teacher at Grace CDC, expressed delight over the children’s excitement about pumpkins saying, “By the time Friday arrived, pumpkins were all they could talk about!”

At the end of the story time, each child went home with a special trick-or-treat bag and, of course, their very own pumpkin. “It’s wonderful to see their enthusiasm—such bright eyes and big smiles,” noted Zellers.

Community Connection

What truly makes the pumpkin patch a cherished decade-long tradition is its impact on the community. Proceeds from the pumpkin sales support important outreach ministries like Hope 4 Our Schools and the Community Ministry of North Augusta. This event has a way of creating connections, as former kids who grew up enjoying the patch now bring their own children to share in the joy.

Even with some recent weather challenges causing hiccups in scheduled visits, the community has rallied together. Any remaining pumpkins after the patch closes will be donated to local Public Safety services and assisted living facilities, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.

Get Your Pumpkin!

If you’re eager to join in the fun, head on over to St. Bartholomew’s Pumpkin Patch, located at 471 West Martintown Road. The patch operates Monday through Friday from 2 PM to 6 PM, Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday from 11 AM to 6 PM. Don’t wait too long—the pumpkins are hopping off the shelves, and you don’t want to miss out on this stellar slice of fall magic!