We caught up with the owner, Andy Barhydt of McCourtney Road Pumpkin Farm to hear about what’s happening this year!
What is going on at your pumpkin patch this year?
It’s going to be similar to last year – free admission, free parking, free hay ride. We’ve restored some antique tractors for people to look at. We’ll have games for kids: a bean bag toss, a corn hole game that my sister made, lots of fun things. It’s all family – everyone volunteers their time to help during October so that we can pass that family atmosphere on to the customer. I just want people to enjoy what we have out there and spend time with their family without spending a ton of money.
How is your pumpkin patch unique?
I think the people in our county appreciate the fact that they are getting a product that is grown right there. I’m not certified organic, but I follow those practices. I don’t want to put anything into the soil that I don’t have to. I just want everyone to have a good time, and not spend a week’s worth of wages.
What made you want to have a pumpkin patch?
I just had a crazy idea – my parents bought this piece of property (90 acres) and I wanted to let people know that this ranch is going to stay open space and not get developed. Everyone loves pumpkin patches, and we don’t have many in Nevada County where the pumpkins are grown there.
When can people visit and where are you located?
We are open Saturday and Sundays in October through Halloween, 10am-5pm. Unless we run out of pumpkins. We are located at 20267 McCourtney Rd in Grass Valley. Check them out on Facebook – McCourtney Road Pumpkins.