Despite its later-than-usual start date, The Pumpkin Patch at First Congregational Church in Saugus center is enjoying a wildly successful season.
Organizer and church treasurer Carl Spencer said that in just a few short weeks of operation, the patch has managed to sell more than 2,000 pumpkins since opening for business Oct. 10.
“It’s nice to see all the people in town come in with their kids and grandkids,” Spencer said. “The kids really get excited about it.”
The pumpkins — which are sold to benefit both the church and the Navajo Reservation in New Mexico where they’re grown — are supplied by Pumpkins USA, an organization that has worked alongside the church for the last 18 years to truck 4,500 pumpkins more than 2,400 miles cross-country to Massachusetts each fall.
According to the patch’s media manager, Bob Davis, the original Oct. 3 delivery date was pushed back a week after Spencer received word from Pumpkins USA that they would be unable to make it in time due to unspecified pandemic delays.
Despite the fact his selling season was shortened from its usual five weeks to a mere three this October (church coordinators also decided to set up a week later than usual this year), Spencer said the patch has seen incredible success.
“Percentage-wise, for the number of days, we’re going to be surpassing last year,” he said, attributing the high number of sales to people being especially eager to get out of the house and celebrate something fun. “I think it’s been a real good year.”
For Saugus’ younger generations in particular, the patch has always been a regular part of Halloween festivities and something to look forward to, with Spencer adding that families often come for the sole purpose of taking photos with their children.
“I come here every year,” said Bella DeLuca, 14, as she browsed the selection Tuesday with her father, Gino. “It’s in the middle of everything, and a lot of kids live near here.”
Kids aren’t the only ones enjoying the patch, however.
“Every day, people comment that they’re glad that we opened up this year. It just brings a sense of normalcy to this time,” Spencer said. “People look forward to it.”
Pumpkins of all shapes, sizes, and colors will be displayed on the church lawn until Oct. 31 and will be available for purchase every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“We very much appreciate the support this year, from the people who visit and buy the pumpkins, to the volunteers who unloaded the trucks and (help sell them),” Spencer said. “The church truly enjoys providing the community with pumpkins and hosting this great fall event.”
