Crosby Methodist Church celebrates 8th annual pumpkin patch

By David Taylor / Managing Editor

Crosby knows when fall has arrived–the grounds of Crosby United Methodist Church are transformed into a vibrant pumpkin patch, drawing families and community members from across the area. The tradition, which began eight years ago, has become a beloved fall staple in Crosby.

The pumpkins, grown on a farm in New Mexico, are delivered by truck at the end of September or early October.

“The patch opens the day after delivery and remains open through October 31,” said CUMC Pastor Jon Stouffer.

The event is a true community effort, with volunteers from the church, local high schools, and even sports teams pitching in to unload and arrange the pumpkins.

“For the last three years the Crosby HS Baseball team has come to help, as well as the soccer team one year, and the volleyball team from CE King HS one year,” Stouffer said.

This year, the church received about 1,800 pumpkins, including a wide variety of ornamental types.

“The ornamentals are amazing—a variety of smaller pumpkins and different shapes and colors too. We have winged gourds, swan gourds, and ‘spookies,’ which are smaller round pumpkins,” Stouffer said.

Although the popular “elf-houses” (acorn-shaped pumpkins) were missed this year, the selection remains impressive.

The pumpkin patch is open Monday through Thursday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with October 31 as the last day for purchases.

In addition to pumpkin sales, the church hosted a Trunk or Treat event on the last Saturday of October, and a community clean-up on November 1 at 7:30 a.m.

Proceeds from the pumpkin patch support the church’s ministries in the greater Crosby community.

“The farm that raises and sends the pumpkins shares about one-third of the profit with us, which we use for our ministries in the Crosby community,” Stouffer explained.

Leftover pumpkins find new homes with neighbors and friends, or are used as livestock feed, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

The church is located at 1334 Runneburg Road in Crosby.