The Pumpkin Patch will be open at the West Hartford United Methodist Church throughout the month of October.

‘Pumpkins with a Mission’ are now for sale at the West Hartford United Methodist Church on New Britain Avenue. photo credit: Ronni Newton

By Ronni Newton

The lawn of what has become commonly known as the “Pumpkin Church” in West Hartford was devoid of its sea of orange gourds last year due to COVID-19 concerns, but the “Pumpkin Patch,” which has otherwise been held for more than 25 years, has returned.

“We received our first delivery of over 2,000 pumpkins and they are colorfully displayed on our front lawn,” Larry Wilder, chair of the West Hartford United Methodist Church, said in an email. “They will be for sale for the entire month of October.”

The Pumpkin Patch includes a wide variety of gourds in an array of sizes, shapes, and textures. Included are bumpy pumpkins, white and pink pumpkins, mini “pumpkins,” and “swan gourds” that can be dried and hollowed out to create bird houses.

‘Pumpkins with a Mission,’ including swan gourds, are now for sale at the West Hartford United Methodist Church on New Britain Avenue. photo credit: Ronni Newton

All are “Pumpkins with a Mission” as the sign states, supporting ministries of the church that includes the United Methodist Army, South Park Inn Homeless Shelter, the Friendship Service Center of New Britain, and other organizations.

The Pumpkin Patch is open Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. through the end of October.

Throughout the month of October the church is also holding a food drive to support the local food pantry. Non-perishable and unopened/unexpired donations can be left in the bin by the front door at any time of the day. Spaghetti, pasta sauce, peanut butter (16-18oz jars) canned fruit, apple sauce, tuna, rice (1-2 lb. packages), and soups are the most critical items.

West Hartford United Methodist Church will also host its inaugural “Pumpkin Festival” on Oct. 23, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (Rain date is Oct. 24.) There will be baked goods and other vendors, children’s games and activities, and visit from the West Hartford Fire Department. A few spots are still available and anyone interested in registering as a vendor can call the church at 860-521-7766.

A silent auction is available online from Oct. 15-24, and more information can be found here.

The church is located at 1358 New Britain Ave., at the corner of Berkshire Road. Exit 40 off I-84, one block east of Westfarms and Corbins Corner.

‘Pumpkins with a Mission’ in a variety of shapes and sizes are now for sale at the West Hartford United Methodist Church on New Britain Avenue. photo credit: Ronni Newton

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