Pumpkin patch events kick off soon

Ask people if they know the location of First Christian Church in Shawnee and you will probably get a blank look. Ask them if they know the location of the “pumpkin church,” and almost immediately you will see an expression of recognition.
It’s that time of the year where the south lawn of the church at 1625 N. Broadway will be covered with bright orange pumpkins as the church again will be selling pumpkins, mums, Indian corn, gourds, hay, homemade salsa and crafts. Just like the past 12 years, a portion of the proceeds will be donated back to the community and various community agencies. The church began the pumpkin patch in 1996 and this year’s patch will be the 13th year for the community fundraiser.
Sunday, members, friends and anyone who wants to volunteer will be unloading pumpkins from a semitrailer following second service and a light fellowship lunch. The pumpkins are unloaded by hand in a “fire brigade” style until the lawn is covered in orange. After a prayer of blessing for the patch, workers will be treated with refreshments.
Each year the pumpkin patch features a different event each Saturday in October. 
The annual Pumpkin Patch Car Show will be Saturday, Oct. 3. Each year the show attracts classic cars which have been restored to original condition or customized. The cars will be on display in the south parking lot of the church and the number of participants has been growing every year.
Family Fun Day is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 10, with the Pumpkin Patch Train running along with other games and activities for children. The church’s Child Development Center will be providing concessions and raising funds for the playground on Saturday, Oct. 17.
On Saturday, Oct. 24, there will be “Everything Pumpkin Day,” where those who attend will be able to sample pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, pumpkin pancakes and other pumpkin specialties.
The pumpkin patch is also a favorite gathering place for kindergarten, pre-school and day care children during the week as they are welcomed for a tour of the patch and for story time. Teachers or child care workers wanting to bring a group of children should contact the church office at 275-1519 to schedule an appointment. Unlike commercial pumpkin patches, all activities at the First Christian patch are free, except for the concessions, pumpkins and other products on sale.
Since the church has been involved in the project, thousands of dollars have been reinvested in the community. Over the years such organizations as the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Youth and Family Resources, Project Safe, Unzner House, Hospice and other community organizations have received checks from the Pumpkin Patch profits.
The pumpkins sold at the First Christian patch come from the Pumpkin Patch organization which is a nationwide annual fund raiser through churches. The Pumpkin Patch organization purchases the pumpkins each year from the Navajo Tribe.