Pumpkin patch owner to retire

Published 9:28 am Wednesday, September 12, 2012

After much thought and many prayers, I have decided that it is time for me to retire from  Larry’s Pumpkin Patch west of Albert Lea. Over the past years since I moved to my mom’s family farm, I have raised and sold pumpkins. When I think back on all the fun I had with my parents, Bob and Charlotte, who loved to help me plant, pick and sell pumpkins and with Goldie and Max, who loved to chase pumpkins, and Elmer, my big pig you all asked about, and seeing all of you who came out to the patch — such great memories!

I also had much help from my brother, Mike, and his wife, Penny, and their family and many friends who came out in the early years to help plant the patch. Rick and Justin were always there to plow, disc and prepare the patch for planting and helped plant almost every season! I remember sunny days with cool breezes and warm temps in October and the hundreds of pumpkins just waiting for a home out in the patch! I also remember the weeds, cold winds, the rain and snow and sleet and being out to cover as many pumpkins as I could to prevent them from freezing! Yes, many, many great memories of 27 patches that have come and gone.

But now it’s time to let someone else plant, hoe and provide a patch. The Chad Peterson family has planted half an acre of pumpkins on the old Stables Supper Club site north of Albert Lea off Richway Drive and its patch is looking great! I approached Chad in early spring as I wanted to have a patch experience available here in Albert Lea, and he and his family decided to give it a try. I know how much fun kids have actually walking into the patch and finding their own pumpkin, and I feel good knowing that the tradition will continue.

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Thank you so much to everyone who has visited us at the patch over the past years. The memories of all the past patches puts a smile on my face and a warm spot deep in my heart and I thank you for all your visits, comments, support and friendliness.

As they say, let’s not be sad because it’s over, let’s be happy because it happened.

And now continues at an all new patch!

Thank you so much for making it happen with me!

 

Larry Alvey

Albert Lea