In any normal year, Pumpkinville would be talking about their new attractions for the fall season.But this isn’t a normal year.
Pumpkinville has spent the last few months working with the state and implementing guidelines to make their 200-acre pumpkin farm as COVID safe as possible. So instead of putting up new attractions, they’ve been installing plexiglass barriers and sanitizing stations.
“Our goal is to make Pumpkinville both enjoyable and COVID safe for our guests,” said Dan Pawlowski, co-owner of Pumpkinville.
For more information and to purchase wristbands, visit www.pumpkinville.com. Pumpkinville opened Sept. 12 and runs through Oct. 31. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, rain or shine. It is one of Cattaraugus County’s largest tourist attractions.
While safety is a priority, fun and food are what Pumpkinville is all about. The vintage Happy Horse Carousel is a crowd-pleaser again this year. The mid-century merry-go-round was restored before relocating to Pumpkinville.
The Birds & Bees exhibit demonstrates nature to visitors. One side of the building houses a beehive with glass walls so visitors can see the activity inside the hive, while the other side features a hatching area for baby chicks.
Attendance will be limited. In fact, Pumpkinville will keep their attendance levels well
below the state’s guidelines. Monday through Friday, Pumpkinville is operating in its traditional format. However, on weekends, guests can enter the farm market and food area as usual, but a wristband or pass is required to enter the back Farmyard Fun area. Visitors are strongly encouraged to purchase wristbands online in advance to ensure your desired date. For everyone’s safety, all employees and visitors will be required to wear a face mask during their visit.
“As a working pumpkin farm, we feel strongly about educating our visitors, especially kids, about the importance of agriculture and nature,” said co-founder Diane Pawlowski.
The popular Sunflower Daze will run the first two weeks of the season. Hayrides to the Sunflower Field, pick-your-own and photo opportunities will be available with all the appropriate social distancing. You can also purchase bunches of sunflowers with all proceeds benefitting The Pink Pumpkin Project in Olean.
Many of Pumpkinville’s favorite attractions are still there including the Six-Acre Corn Maze which honors our everyday heroes fighting on the frontline of our current health crisis, Apple Blaster, Pumpkinville Express Train, The Fun Zone featuring covered and open 60-foot long slides, Barnyard Ballzone, Pumpkin Jumpin’ Pillows, Cow Train, Hayrides and much more.
Pumpkinville also offers a variety of delicious food to eat-in and take home. The on-site bakery, Di’s Pies & Bake Shoppe, provides fresh-out-of-the-oven baked goods including their famous pumpkin donuts. Other products include homemade pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie, ice cream, old-fashioned Kettle Corn, caramel sauce and caramel apples, fudge, jam, maple products, and much more.
“We’re one of the few places in the country where you can get something homemade right out of the oven,” said Diane Pawlowski, who oversees the on-site bakery.
Visitors also can watch apples being pressed into cider in the restored 1870s cider mill.
And don’t forget the main attraction – pumpkins! With more than 25 acres in the pumpkin patch you’ll find the perfect pumpkins for decorating. Whether you like the traditional orange pumpkins or the exotic pumpkins with assorted sizes, colors and shapes, Pumpkinville has it all.
A former winner of New York State’s Agri-Tourism Business of the Year, Pumpkinville is just minutes from Ellicottville at 4844 Sugartown Road in Great Valley. For information, call 699-2205 or visit www.pumpkinville.com.
