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As autumn brings crisp, cool air, and the leaves begin to change colors, the First United Methodist Church of Andalusia is excited to host its annual Pumpkin Patch event.

“The pumpkin patch is a fundraising effort to help send as well as a community outreach,” First United Methodist Church Youth Leader Heather Sabey said. “The pumpkins are grown and harvested by Pumpkin Patch USA, which is a nonprofit organization that only delivers to other non-profits. It’s a mission within a mission.”

The pumpkins were delivered Friday morning from a Navajo Indian reservation in New Mexico, which is the mission of the Pumpkin Patch USA organization.

“Our hope is that the patch becomes a traditional fall destination for the families of Covington County and beyond. We want families enjoying an autumn day not only choosing their perfect pumpkin but also spending time playing on our new playground and taking family photos in the sea of pumpkins.”

The patch will be open from Saturday, Oct. 9 through Saturday, Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily. She said, “Due to the shortage of truck drivers across the nation right now, we had to adjust our first day, but we are still happy about bringing this event to the community.”

Sabey added there would also be bean bag and ring toss games for smaller children and a very limited amount of corn stalk decorations for sale. “We have picnic tables in our play yard. If families would like to bring snacks or a picnic lunch, they are welcome to do so.”

The patch will be located on the back of the church’s property behind Darby’s Village Pharmacy with parking available on 6th Avenue between FUMC and City Hall.

“This is a fundraiser, and we will be accepting cash and checks for purchases. FUMC does not set prices of the pumpkins. Pumpkin Patch USA handles that with the cost per pumpkin based on its size. All funds go to the cost of delivering the pumpkins and mission. The location of our summer mission trip is still being determined. It will be within driving distance through one of the organizations that specialize in youth mission,” she said.

For more information call Heather Sabey at 732-684-6733 or e-mail heathersabey@gmail.com. “Our hope is that God will use this patch as His mission field right here in our backyard and beyond,” Sabey said.