Grab your pumpkin spice latte and head to the Knights of Columbus Hall in Jackson to enjoy a favorite fall activity while helping support a good cause.
For the first time, the KC Hall in Jackson will be hosting a pumpkin patch fundraiser beginning Saturday, Oct. 17, and running through Halloween.
Pumpkin Patch Fundraisers of North Carolina reached out to the Jackson Knights of Columbus and thought the hall would be a great spot to host the pumpkin patch fundraiser locally.
“We are hoping to get a lot of support for the public,” Chairman Brian Wibbenmeyer said. “This group is a huge company that hosts other pumpkin patches in the area, so we are hoping to make a difference with this and keep doing it every year and grow it into something more than just a pumpkin patch hopefully.”
The location allows for the space and demographics for a pumpkin patch, while featuring a pond and county scenery that would make the perfect fall aesthetic family photos as opposed to being set in a parking lot.
“Come take photos of the kids picking out pumpkins or bring photographers for family photos,” KC Hall Manager David Wikel said. “There will be hay bale displays with pumpkins for families to take photos.”
While there is no specific cause planned to receive the money from the fundraiser at this time, the Knights of Columbus is a huge supporter of several organizations including Special Olympics, Cardinal Glennon Autism Evaluation Center, Jackson Ministerial Alliance, Mississippi Valley Therapeutic Horsemanship, Parkview School, Immaculate School and Church, Options for Women, Birthright of Cape Girardeau, LifeHouse, high school scholarships and many more.
“We always have an open ear for a new type of fundraiser and are looking for new opportunities to raise money for those we support,” Wikel said.
Pumpkin Patch Fundraisers has been very easy to work with, Wibbenmeyer said, and provided everything the KC’s need to make this a successful event.
“We are really hoping this takes off,” he said. “The company has been in business over 50 years and when they contacted us they already knew how much land we had and everything about us and feel confident we will do well. I just thought it was crazy not to try this fundraiser.”
The pumpkins arrived this week and range from small decorative pumpkins of all colors to gourds and, of course, traditional pumpkins.
The assortment of items are available for purchase now for those attending the fish and chicken fry this Friday or who just need pumpkins before the official opening time.
A large banner will be located by the road along with pumpkins and hay bales inviting everyone to drive up to the location around the pond pavilion.
Guests are encouraged to bring snacks and drinks, and there will be coloring books and stickers available for purchase for younger children. The Knights of Columbus will accept debit and credit cards, as well as cash and checks.
“If we have big sales and start to run low, Pumpkin Patch Fundraisers will send us more, so we are guaranteed not to run out of pumpkins,” Wibbenmeyer said. “Now you don’t have to drive to Cape or Perryville. We hope all of Jackson comes out.”
If the event goes over well, the KC’s are already brainstorming how to grow the event for the future.
“I’m really hoping to extend from two to three weeks next year,” Wibbenmeyer said. “My vision is that we do it for more than just a couple weeks and add family activities, such as hayrides, to brings families here.”
The pumpkin patch at the KC Hall, 3305 North High Street in Jackson, will be open Oct. 17-31. Operating hours include Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
