Family weekend adventure is a Pumpkin Patch away--Just Ask Riggs!
By Lori Johnson
ALMA CENTER - What do families do to celebrate the crisp sunny autumn weekends? Go for drives to see the fall colors and stop at area markets for autumn décor and to pick out the perfect pumpkin to carve for Halloween is a popular choice!
A lot of families did just that. And a favorite stop has been Laufenberg Pumpkin Patch, LLC, located at 8833 N. Casper Road, in rural Alma Center. Their opening day was on September 11 and “This was the most successful opening day we have ever had in our over 20 year history,” shared owner Frank Laufenberg. It was good to see so many people out and about.
When you have been in business over twenty years, you know to grow what people like. Whether you buy because you like the names - French Cinderella, Galeux C’Eysines, Knucklehead, Lumina White, Lady Godiva, and Speckled Hound or are in it for the Colors: white blue Jardells, Fairy Tales which go from green to copper, and Speckled Hound which has tones of pink and gray, you can find them, as well as lots of the traditional orange. A new variety this year is called Porcelain Doll, which is pink!
Laufenberg pointed out, “The decorators were the first in line this year. We always have a nice variety of autumn decorating items - corn shocks, broom corn, and straw bales along with several varieties of ornamental gourds, squash and pumpkins There are stalks, grasses, sunflower heads, Chinese lanterns, and bittersweet. The fun part is trying to decide what to choose!
A big part of the Pumpkin Patch’s popularity has been from the many field trips from various school districts over the years, a favorite time for the Laufenbergs. However, due to the Coronavirus, schools are not able to plan field trips this year. It’s disappointing, but hopefully more families will make it a point to enjoy a visit to make up for it. Since everything is out in the sun and fresh air, social distancing is easy and they are practicing COVID-19 recommended safety protocol.
In addition to the usual reasons why the Pumpkin Patch is so popular all these years, this reason was wearing a red, white and blue scarf around his neck as he greeted the customers. His name is Riggs the Golden Retriever and has appointed himself the Pumpkin Patch mascot.
