September 26, 2008 10:09 am
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By KANDACE MCCOY
kandace.mccoy@register-news.com
Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of articles featuring fall fun zones in the Jefferson County area.
MT. VERNON — As the fall season kicked off this week, the Marlow family also kicked off its 10th season at Marlow’s Pumpkin Patch and Adventure Farm.
This week students from Senorita Sarah’s Southtown Pre-K class visited Marlow’s Pumpkin Patch, enjoying the day as they played in the playground area, petted animals and took a hayride on a pirate ship.
In addition to the pirate ship hayride, the pumpkin patch and farm offers a variety of adventures including a farm complete with a play fort, picnic area, number maze, swings and tricycle track among others. A petting zoo, corn maze and a variety of fall decorating items including pumpkins, straw, gourds, squash and Indian Corn are featured also. A haunted house is slated to open on Oct. 1.
Tim Marlow, who operates the pumpkin patch with his wife, Tracy, and their five girls, Emily, Erica, Ellie, Elica, and Emerie, said his business first emerged as a small family venture selling pumpkins. With each season, he said, he added something new, and the business bloomed into Marlow’s Pumpkin Patch and Adventure Farm.
“We try to add something new every year,” Marlow said, adding that a new parking area for buses and other vehicles has been added, as well as additions to his barn.
And, with the additions and numerous visitors, he gets plenty of help from his immediate family. His parents, Mark and Sharon Marlow, sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Billy Goins, and in-laws, Dan and Sue Lovin also help out with the pumpkin patch.
Mark Marlow, who mans the tractor for the pirate ship hayride, says he likes watching kids’ reactions. “I like hearing the kids holler at the ghosts. I know they’re not scared, they just like to holler.”
To prepare for the fall season, Tim Marlow said he and his family prepare on and off throughout the year. Approximately 20 acres of pumpkins, gourds, squash and mums are planted for the farm.
Because of last year’s summer drought, Tim said he probably lost at least half of his crops at the time. This year’s crop has been different.
“This year was not bad compared to the previous year,” he said. “If I could have every year like this year, I’d take it.”
According to information from Marlow, seasonal decorating supplies, gifts and concessions are also available at the farm. Tents, tables and chairs will also be provided for groups who visit, according to Marlow.
Marlow’s Pumpkin Patch is located approximately seven miles east of Mt. Vernon.
Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday through Oct. 30.
For more information, you may contact Marlow at 244-7129.
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