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For nearly two decades, Gail
Apel-Sasse and her husband David Sasse have welcomed families to
Gail’s Pumpkin Patch, a family-run farm that has grown into a
central Illinois fall tradition. What began as a small corner of a
shed with just pumpkins and gourds has expanded into a bustling
destination filled with produce, activities, and family fun.
The farm grows traditional crops alongside pumpkins, sweet corn, and
apples. Visitors can choose from 60 different kinds of pumpkins and
squash, ranging from tiny decorative gourds to large carving
pumpkins. In fact, during their first year, the couple grew a
pumpkin that tipped the scales at 521 pounds.
Inside the barn, families will find
antiques, family history displays, and a play area for children.
Games like giant Connect Four and pumpkin checkers were stashed next
to giant antique tractors. One tractor was even available for
children to play on and pretend they were farmers. Next to the
tractor sat a puppet stage and a bench where children could
entertain themselves while parents shopped.
The shop is stocked with local
goods, including honey from the family’s Sasse Apiary, baked goods
from Missy’s Sweet Shoppe, cookies, jewelry, goat soap, and hand
towels. Seven local vendors stock the shop this fall. Seasonal
favorites like apple butter (available in large and small jars) and
an apple crisp mix are also available. Gail said her personal
favorites are the apple cider slushy and caramel apple sundae.
A farm needs its animals, and
Gail’s Pumpkin Patch is no exception. Goats borrowed from Gail’s
brother and niece, chickens from her granddaughter, rabbits, and
plenty of cats and kittens all welcome visitors to the farm. In the
store kittens wrapped around customers' feet and begged for pets as
they walked by.
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Each season brings something new.
This year, the farm introduced duck races, a miniature golf area for
children, and fresh pumpkin bars and cinnamon rolls from Missy’s
Sweet Shoppe. Outside baskets full of pumpkins and gourds of all
sizes create a picture-perfect fall landscape.
The patch also hosts special events
like Fall Farm Day, which will be hosted on September 21. This event
features free wagon rides pulled by an antique tractor to a popcorn
field where visitors can harvest ears to pop at home. Guests can
also look forward to live music from California Jeff and later this
fall special seasonal activities like pumpkin bouquet workshops,
apple cider floats, and even a “dress up your dog” day with free pup
cups.
Families return year after year, not just for pumpkins, but for the
warm atmosphere, fresh treats, and the sense of tradition. For Gail,
the pumpkin patch is about more than farming—it’s about building
community. “There’s definitely a commitment from a lot of families,”
she said. “A lot of people come see us every fall—kids can’t hardly
wait till we open.”
With free admission, an ever-expanding list of activities, and
plenty of fall treats, Gail’s Pumpkin Patch continues to be a
must-visit destination for families across the region.
[Sophia Larimore] |
