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The Review October 6, 2015

AMBOY

Pumpkin spice of life Variety keeps fifth-year business feeling fresh BY JERMAINE PIGEE

AMBOY – What started as a small shed has grown into a popular pumpkin patch. Just outside Amboy, Anderson’s Pumpkin Patch started its fifth year of business last weekend. Owner Mike Anderson said its longevity is the result of requests from customers over the years. “Each year, we keep adding and adding, and it keeps getting bigger and bigger,� said Anderson, 52, who owns the business with his wife, Mary, 50. “People keep asking for more things to do, and we just kept adding on.� Anderson said the business started in a small shed where pumpkins were sold. “I built that shed in my garage,� Anderson said as he pointed to the shed, still on the property, 670 U.S. Route 52. One of the main attractions is the ability to pick your own pumpkin. Anderson said last year, 5,200 pounds of pumpkins were bought. This year, he anticipates doubling that number. Each year, Anderson said, between 5,000 and 8,000 pumpkins are sold. “We have more people, and we will need more pumpkins,� he said. “We also have more schools

coming now.� People can do more than pick pumpkins. There is a corn maze, a bounce house, a petting zoo, and train rides for kids, among other things. School tours are available. A corn bin sandbox is a hit with kids. They play in a large bin, similar to how they would play in a sand box, but they play in kernels of corn. Campgrounds in the area are another reason the pumpkin patch is popular. “A lot of kids from Chicago have never been on a train ride or hay ride or are able to pet animals,� Anderson said. “This is a new adventure for them.� Most of the activities on the pumpkin patch were built by Anderson, but volunteers are vital. “I built the train and the slides,� he said. “There isn’t a person out here helping us that I pay. We have friends and family out here helping us out.� Rockford resident Kyle Nehring, 28, brought his two daughters, Baylee, 3, and Ellison, 2, to the pumpkin patch last weekend. “I brought out the kids so they can have some fun,� Nehring said as they waited in line to get their face painted. “This is my first time here.� “I like playing in the corn,� Baylee said with a big smile. Ellison will have her

Robert Barr of Downers Grove demonstrates his antique bailing machine, which is powered by a hit-and-miss engine, at the pumpkin patch. The pumpkin patch had all sorts of special events set up for opening day, including demonstrations, vendors and face painting. third birthday party at the pumpkin patch this weekend. The more the merrier, Anderson said. “It’s an opportunity to be outside and relax and be with nature,� he said. “It’s all about the kids. We want them to have fun.�

Photos by Michael Krabbenhoeft

Kids go for a train ride across a bridge Saturday at Anderson’s Pumpkin Patch outside Amboy. The pumpkin patch, which opened its fifth season Saturday, offers many fun activities, including a corn maze, corn box and a petting zoo. Claire Freeman, 8, of Franklin Grove plays in the kids corn crib, which is a big hit with the kiddos.

An eye exam is a good idea, especially if things are starting to look a little fuzzy around the edges.

More information Anderson’s Pumpkin Patch, 670 U.S. Route 52, Amboy, is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday through the end of the month.

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