Pumpkin Patch continues, minus the corn maze

Rising costs lead organizers to take year off from design

By Matthew Nash • October 21, 2015 3:10 pm
Organizers of the Sequim Pumpkin Patch said they didn’t plant the corn maze this year due to costs but the rest of the farm remains open.
Organizers of the Sequim Pumpkin Patch said they didn’t plant the corn maze this year due to costs but the rest of the farm remains open.

The familiar fall colors are in full bloom at the Sequim Pumpkin Patch.

There’s just one artistic element that’s missing from the farm on the corner of U.S. Highway 101 and Kitchen-Dick Road’s usual repertoire — the corn maze.

Traditionally the pumpkin patch crew designs something fun locals can search through such as a pumpkin, a cowboy boot, a “Wizard of Oz” scene and more. Photographer Dave Woodcock usually captures the image from a fly-over, but not this year.

Co-owner Theresa Lassila said due to the maze’s costs they decided not to plant and shape a corn maze.

“I’m hoping it will be back next year,” she said.

Also gone is the annual haunted house due to the farm changing its hours to daytime only from noon-6 p.m. daily through Halloween.

Despite some changes, Lassila said, community support remains strong for the farm.

“It’s like Disneyland for kids,” Lassila said.

“It’s a family tradition for a lot of people too. I’m told that we can’t ever close because some families come and take family portraits here every year.”

To preserve the farm, Lassila said she’s looking into the Pumpkin Patch becoming a non-profit and welcomes input and support from the community.

Her father Phil Lassila, who died in January, started the Pumpkin Patch in 1999. Lassila said her father felt strongly about the farm’s connection with the community.


Pumpkins aplenty

With less than two weeks left before Halloween, visitors can still get in their Pumpkin Patch fix.

U-pick pumpkins remain on sale for 50 cents a pound, or $1 and $3 for small pumpkins. The Pumpkin Shoot costs two pumpkins for $5 for a chance at $100 if it goes in the barrel, and the straw maze is $5 for children and free for adults. Gourds, Indian corn and kettle corn are also for sale.

This weekend, the Sequim Pumpkin Patch hosts live music from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, by the Night Crawlers sponsored by the Sequim VFW. Hot air balloon rides run from noon-2 p.m. for $10 benefiting the Dream Catcher Balloon Program to give balloon rides to those with disabilities. Weather permitting.

Lassila said the farm is open by appointment for field trips and parties by calling 461-0940.

Troll Haven, Farms also offers a pumpkin patch through Halloween at 950 Gardiner Beach Road. For more information, visit www.trollhaven.org.