In October of 2020, Patrick Ash promised an even bigger pumpkin farm experience for 2021. He’s about to deliver.

 

On Saturday, Sept.18, the Pumpkin Farm at Saltwell will open for the season. The farm’s iconic pyramid will feature hundreds of pumpkins, but that’s just a needle in the haystack compared to the pumpkins available for purchase this year.

 

In May, the second-generation pumpkin farmer began grooming seven different gardens on about four acres after which pumpkins were planted throughout. That's nearly twice as many pumpkins as were planted and harvested in 2020. At last count, the smallest of this year's gardens had produced about 200 pumpkins.

“We have pumpkins from the smallest to the largest you can find – in orange, white, pink, green and red – and that’s just a handful of different ones,” Ash said. “We’ll also have a variety of gourds, corn and cornstalk bunches, haybales and whatever else I can come up with.”

 

On opening day and on Saturdays throughout the season, craft and food vendors will also be on hand. The biggest representation will be on Sept. 18.

 

“My mom and aunt do ceramics and we’ll have a disabled veteran who makes and sells wooden flags,” said Ash, adding that various other craft items, including pillows, will be on hand for purchase.

 

Local author, Ashley Mossallati will be there with her two books: “The Pumpkin Patch” and “Christmas on the Farm.”

 

Kettle corn will be popping, and the South Texas BBQ food truck will be set up Sept. 18. The following Saturday, Maple Valley Meat Market will be present with its food offerings. Other food trucks will be there Saturdays throughout the season.

 

2020 was the first year the farm was in full swing since closing in 1992. In the late-1970s and 80s, the farm was operated by Ash’s dad.  Ash credits memories made in those early days for the burst of popularity he experienced last year.

 

“People remember being here years ago. Back then, they were parents or children and now they are grandparents or parents,” Ash said. “They want their children to be able to experience the same things – and they want to come back and see it again.”

 

The addition of vendors has also brought visitors to the farm.

 

“I don’t do vendors to bring in cash, but it’s another pumpkin farm attraction. And it’s a place for people with crafts to set up and sell to local people,” he said.

 

The Pumpkin Farm at Saltwell will be open 8 a.m. through 6:30 p.m. Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The farm is located at 3460 Saltwell Road, between Bridgeport and Shinnston. There is no admission fee.

 

Families are welcome to take all the photos they wish, but farm photographer Hope Bailey is available upon request by providing advanced notice. She can be reached through her Facebook page, Hope Bailey HB Photography: https://www.facebook.com/hbphotographywv

 

This year, the farm is also available for school group and daycare visits. Call or text Ash at 304-672-6872 or message him through the Pumpkin Farm at Saltwell Facebook page.

 

Read more about the background of the pumpkin farm HERE in a 2020 feature story.