Grape Creek's Pumpkin Patch a Growing Success

Slightly off the beaten path, on 7706 FM 2288, lies the pumpkin patch of the Grape Creek Baptist Church.

Bright orange pumpkins varying in size from baseballs to small boulders lie all over the large, decorated yard.

“It’s about family, kids, and pictures,” explained Glenda Bacon, church secretary and homeowner of the property the patch sits on.

The inception of the idea began in 2007, with a small patch on the Bacon lawn as a fundraiser for the church.

The pumpkins are grown on a Navajo Reservation in Farmington, New Mexico, shipped to the patch in Grape Creek, and then sold with portions of the sale staying in the church to be used for youth programs and community scholarships.

Interestingly enough, schools take field trips out to the pumpkin patch, and the number grows every year.

“We’ve grown tremendously,” said Bacon, “45 schools are booked this year.”

The number is up from the 32 that visited last year, and the range varies from Big Lake, to Blackwell and as far away as Ozona.

That will mean at least two schools visiting a day until the patch is over on October 31, all that added traffic bringing more attention to the often-neglected Grape Creek.

“Grape Creek does have some pretty neat things,” said Bacon as she described how the football players and National Honor Society were instrumental in setting up the pumpkin patch, as well as how the money benefits the community.

Youth programs, camps, scholarships, and the community Thanksgiving meal all benefit from the money that stays, with the goal of enhancing the community of Grape Creek.

In full-circle style, the community that receives support from the church, supports the fundraising efforts of the pumpkin patch.

The pumpkin patch will be open Mon - Sat:  8 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Sun: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. until October 31.

For more information, call 325-653-8761 or 325-234-3143