During the month of October, there are typically at least a few churches in the area that have pumpkin patches open to the public. Unfortunately, because the effects of Harvey are still being felt by many in Hardin County, the regular pumpkin patches have been canceled.
Woodcrest Methodist church in Lumberton has had a pumpkin patch for many years, but not this year. Robyn Colley, administrative secretary with the church said, “Most of the people doing the volunteer work are still working on their houses.”
She continued to say that many people lost their homes and they need to concentrate on getting their homes and families back together. She added that they were not sure if they would be able to get pumpkins and what kind of condition they would be in.
She began to speak with people at other local churches and they decided to band together to host a community fall festival. The City of Lumberton gave them permission to use the city park on FM 421. The ideas and contributions started pouring in. “All the churches got on board,” said Colley.
Churches will have booths at the festival in addition to a chili cook-off, games, and activities. Colley emphasized that everything at the festival will be free of charge.
“It’s a fun time to get all of the community together and get their minds of everything going on,” she said.
For those still wanting to enjoy a visit to a pumpkin patch, Wesley Methodist Church in Beaumont has theirs open through October 31.
