Downtown pumpkin patch continuing tradition

(Seguin) –Although, there has already been plenty of activity over at Seguin’s pumpkin patch — the patch is far from running dry. Another truckload is expected this weekend as the church tradition continues for local families and out-of-town guests.

That’s according to Terry Webb, pumpkin patch coordinator for First Methodist Church Seguin.

“We have more pumpkins on the way. In fact, this coming Saturday, we expect another full load of pumpkins,” said Web.

She says for decades that the annual pumpkin patch has become a fall tradition for generations of local families.

“Well, over 30 years ago, the youth director, Katie Arnold, started the pumpkin patch, and it started with just a portion of a truck for like a week and a half and it has grown over the 30 plus years into 2 trucks, and the whole month, and sometimes it extends a little bit beyond the month, depending on where Saturdays hit,” said Webb.

While the patch offers families an opportunity to enjoy the season, Webb says its purpose extends beyond the church grounds. She says proceeds support missions and nonprofit organizations throughout the community, including the Guadalupe County Children’s Advocacy Center, the Texas Ramp Project, the South Texas Pregnancy Care Center, NAMI and the Christian Cupboard.

The pumpkin patch also serves as an outdoor classroom for area students. Webb says more than 1,200 children visit during the month, with school groups coming from Seguin and even Gonzales to learn about pumpkins, harvest time and the fall season.

“Children get to explore the pumpkins, discover what is inside them and even learn whether pumpkins float,” said Webb.

For many families, she says the patch has become a tradition that spans generations, with parents returning with their children and, eventually, their grandchildren.

“And it’s just a fun place to go. It’s just a come experience fall,” said Webb.

In addition to the pumpkins, visitors can take part in a brief worship service held Sunday evenings from 6:30 to 7 p.m. The service, which began last year, features live guitar music, songs, prayer and a short devotion in the patch’s storytelling area.

A small prayer-request box also is available for visitors who would like to submit a prayer request to be handled by the church’s prayer ministry.

Webb says the downtown pumpkin patch is a seasonal attraction that no one wants to miss.

“I just welcome you to come feel the orange part of God’s creation. We really do have a special place, It’s something to come and experience,” said Webb.

Visitors can choose from a wide variety of pumpkins and gourds. Prices depend on both the type and size.

The FMC Pumpkin Patch is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sundays from noon to 7 p.m. The Patch will be open through Oct. 31st. First Methodist Church is located at 710 N. Austin St.