Growing Attraction
by Mari Radtke
Nearly three decades have gone by since Al and Geralyn Hoefling began their Pumpkin Patch at the L36 and C38 intersection. Their children were newborn, 2, 4, 6 and 10. It was 1996. They began with just a few varieties of pumpkins. It was the beginning of white pumpkins.
It’s always been a family affair at the Pumpkin Patch. The kids grew up helping with all of the many chores and working in the gift shop until they grew up and began their lives. But the tradition continues. As much as possible, the kids bring the grandkids to kick off the season.
A few lawn chairs and a garden shed was the beginning. A Marcus lady made candles in town that were sold at Hoefling’s Pumpkin Patch as well as little gifts. Over time, the business grew. In 2012 plans were made to construct a building for the following season. Al and Geralyn built a structure that houses a place where visitors can shop for gifts or souvenirs and even grab a snack and drink. A walk up window with outside access adds convenience to grabbing a quick refreshment. The baked goods and snacks are always fresh and homemade. A perfect fall snack selection is available: Puppy Chow, Chex Mix, kettle corn, fresh Halloween cookies, pumpkin bars, buttermilk brownies, caramel apples and more! Hot chocolate or cider is available to warm those chilly nights.
Admission into the pumpkin patch is always by donation. Hay rides, pumpkin bowling, corn hole, various picture cutouts, playhouses and live working corn shelling, cleaning, separating, and sorting display, not to mention wandering into the pumpkin patch and choosing your favorite color, size and shape. Wagons are available to bring big pumpkins or more than a peson can carry to checkout. A “BINGO” sheet is offered for kids to find all of the many activities and enjoy. Hoefling’s Pumpkin Patch now boasts 50 different varieties of pumpkins. Geralyn estimates over 2000 hills were planted this year. She highlighted the yellow pumpkins noting they are perfect for the Cherokee, Iowa or Iowa State fans to decorate and celebrate. A big selection of gourds is also available. Giant gourds, mini gourds, pear gourds, apple gourds: so many different shapes and colors of gourds. Indian corn, broom corn can be found to add to autumn décor. All of the corn, gourds and pumpkins get a good bath before they are displayed. Mums are available while supplies last.
For the operators of the Pumpkin Patch, the season begins in May with planting. Planning the varieties, where each will be planted, concerns for the different nuisances that can plague and farmer – moles for pumpkins are a huge issue, disease, bugs, so many threats. Spraying for bugs is not an option. Some years ago, the bee population disappeared failing to pollinate plants. It was found that a neighbor who had beehives no longer did. So now part of the duties or readying for 6 autumn weekends of entertainment includes beekeeping. Honey and honey combs are offered inside the gift shop. That’s a nice side effect! Weeding, weather – rain or drought, wind, snow – are always a big question mark for produce.
A recently introduce event is the first October weekend is veterans’ weekend. All veterans who visit the first weekend of October are asked to sign the wooden flag, expected to just keep collecting autographs and stay on permanent display. Free corn maze admission is a “thank you for your service” from the Hoefling’s to the nations heroes, and their families.
Over the twenty eight years of growing “Hoefling’s Pumpkin Patch” special bonds have been forged with their customers. Customers would come for a variety of reasons. Some came for products. Some came to visit. Others came for special memories. One couple comes annually and releases balloons. It was a favorite place of their daughter. They visit in her memory. Such gestures prompted make the memorial more recognizable. Two features are located near the entry fenceposts displaying “In Memoriam” names of treasured guests. “Krista’s Chair” is a special picture feature that is also recognizing a special person the the Pumpkin Patch.
The corn maze features a “cemetery.” Markers dot different intersections in the corn maze. This year’s maze is described by friends, according to Geralyn, as one of their hardest. A challenge in the maze is to find the 6 Halloween gnomes that can be found throughout the maze. A Lighted Maze night is scheduled and two haunted maze events. The nice wide paths do accommodate wheeled transporation if needed.
The maze requires planning and tending before the season opens. A first cutting for the path happens at about knee high. Three or four more cuttings through the summer set up a great surface for the 6 weekends in the fall.
Guests to the Pumpkin Patch come from all over the United States. Geralyn thinks there have been visitors from other nations. She works hard to have a decent inventory of items at the end of the season. The Pumpkin is open Wednesday, Friday, Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Groups and special occassions are welcome.