FRUITLAND, Fla. — Community United Methodist Church will host its 24th annual Pumpkin Patch from Oct. 10 through Oct. 31 at 309 College Avenue in Fruitland Park.
Proceeds from the pumpkin sales will benefit local children and youth programs.
The site features new photo opportunities alongside a variety of pumpkins and gourds available for purchase. Sales will run from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturdays and from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sundays through Fridays.
The first event, “Praise in the Patch,” is scheduled for Oct. 18 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The event features praise music, games and food and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
On Oct. 31, the church will hold Trunk or Treat from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the church parking lot near the patch.
The pumpkin fundraising model began in 1974 in North Carolina with Richard and Janice Hamby, who started on three acres in partnership with a single church.
After Hurricane Hugo hit the region, the Hambys moved their agricultural operations to Farmington, N.M.In partnership with the Navajo Nation, the pumpkin farm in Farmington spans approximately 1,200 acres, or roughly two square miles.
The operation employs more than 700 Native Americans during the harvest months of September and October, while maintaining a full-time off-season staff composed entirely of Native Americans to support a region experiencing 42% unemployment.
Since 1974, the fundraising network has grown to include more than 1,000 organizations across the continental United States. Participating partners represent 25 church denominations, youth groups, schools, fraternal organizations and civic groups.
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