By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief.
CRYSTAL TOWNSHIP — Want a great family-centered activity to do this weekend or next? Take a drive to northern Oceana County and explore the Pumpkin Patch at Major’s Produce.
Located at 9476 N. 120th Ave. (Mason County’s Darr Road turns into 120th Ave.), the Pumpkin Patch is in its 24th year.
Mike and Karen Major said they were asked in 1991 by the Ludington Chamber of Commerce (now the Ludington & Scottville Area Chamber of Commerce) if they could grow pumpkins and draw people to the area during the fall “shoulder” season. “The chamber wanted activities that attracted visitors to the area past Labor Day,” Karen said. “We decided to do more than just pumpkins, though, and provide family activities.”
The Pumpkin Patch is held each year during the second and third weekend of October, with area elementary school children visiting during the week between.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
There is an admission charge of $12 per person for all activities or entrance can be purchased ale carte as well.
Naturally, there are pumpkins for sale along with pumpkin painting and carving. The pumpkins are grown on the Major farm, but the pumpkins are already picked. Mike said the actual pumpkin patch is rotating around the farm each season, making access difficult for patrons.
Other events include a hay ride, corn maze, hay fort, pedal car races, balloon slingshot, mini golf, corn hole and a haunted hall.
The Majors said they get help from Hart High School band students, who volunteer to “scare” the hay riders and also help in the haunted hall. “The band kids are great,” Karen said. “They try not to scare the really little kids, though.” The Majors make a donation to the Hart band program in exchange for the help.
The hay ride includes several “scary” stops and also winds along the north branch of the Pentwater River, on the Major property.
“It’s just a great time for everyone,” Karen said. “We have been doing this for 24 years and now have adults who came here with children who are now bringing their children.”
The event also includes food, which includes homemade pies, hot dogs, pulled pork, sloppy joes and some really great caramel apples, Karen said.
Directions: From the north, take Scottville Road, follow it as it curves into Washington Road and turns into 120th Ave. Major Produce is located just about a quarter mile south on the east side of the road. From the west, take Monroe Road east to 120th Ave., then north.