The popular annual event returns to Old Greenwich School this month for the 55th time.
GREENWICH, CT — A sure sign that fall has truly arrived is the annual Old Greenwich School Pumpkin Patch event, which is returning to the school for the 55th time this year on Oct. 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The event has become an institution in town, especially in Old Greenwich, where families, students and teachers gather to celebrate autumn and raise money to support school programming.
Planning for the big day begins in June, with volunteers working to secure vendors and getting permits squared away. For event co-chair Courtney Van Naarden, the anticipation leading up to Oct. 18 is palpable.
“It’s exciting,” she told Patch this week. “I think the electricity of the fall season – school has started, kids are getting more comfortable in their classrooms – to have something to bring a little bit more excitement back is just perfect timing.”
One of the big traditional moments of the fall season will take place on Oct. 7 at 2:30 p.m. in the plaza in front of the school with the unveiling of the Pumpkin Lady.
Each year, the community gathers a week before the Pumpkin Patch to unveil the Pumpkin Lady sculpture in a new costume.
This year for the first time, students had the chance to vote on the theme and costume, with choices including a superhero, sports player, something spooky, or outer space.
The Pumpkin Patch itself on Oct. 18 will feature the iconic hay maze, pumpkin picking, raffle prizes, crafts, carnival games, face painting and food trucks. New this year will be inflatable axe throwing, a pumpkin obstacle course, a pie eating contest and mini race cars. The Blue Truck will be transformed with fall decorations to provide families with impromptu photoshoots.
There will also be live music, with Greenwich Dance Studio, Greenwich A Cappella, and local bands That’s What She Said and Paloma Skye performing on the main stage.
The OGS Pumpkin Patch has kept that small town feel over the years, something Van Naarden takes pride in.
“We don’t have huge roller coasters or rides. It’s very much a traditional, old school festival that feels like you’re at an orchard or somewhere with your family. We really truly want to keep that energy,” she said.
What’s unique about the event is the event co-chairs try to bring their own flair and spin to the Pumpkin Patch each year, added Van Naarden, who noted her fellow co-chair Meaghan Gruppo.
All funds raised will support the OGS Curricular Enrichment Program, which provides things like field trips, author visits, science workshops and cultural and environmental awareness programs to students.
“This has become an institution and it’s supposed to be fun for the entire community, but I think at its backbone it’s about raising funds for Old Greenwich School,” Van Naarden said. “We’re really giving back to these students through this enrichment and their curriculum.”
Van Naarden thanked the many businesses and sponsors that have stepped up to help with this year’s event.
Individual tickets are $20, and bracelets, which provide access to unlimited activities, can be purchased for $75.
For more information on the event, tickets, or how to get involved as a volunteer, go to the OGS Pumpkin Patch website.