By Payton Tholstrup

Pfizenmaier Pumpkin Patch officially opened for fall on Saturday, September 14th. Located at 933 18th Road in Clay Center, this is their 22nd year in business. They are open every day from sunup to sundown until the first week of November.

The pumpkin patch sells over 60 pumpkin, squash, and gourd varieties. Some favorites include Cinderella (a flat red pumpkin), Jarrahdale (a blue pumpkin), and New Moon (a large white pumpkin). New varieties have been added this year, like Pink Banana (pink squash) and Abominable (white jack-o-lantern).

During the winter, the Pfizenmaiers select and order seeds for the upcoming year and plant in late spring when the conditions are just right. “Having 60 different varieties makes it challenging to plant because the seed sizes vary greatly. Every seed is dropped by hand into a one-row planter unit pulled behind a tractor. The rest is magic!” said Eric Pfizenmaier.

His favorite part of the pumpkin patch is seeing the joy and excitement that pumpkins bring to people of all ages. Getting to see repeat customers each year, as well as meeting new customers, is another highlight for him.

“We are excited for another pumpkin season and look forward to seeing everyone this fall!”