Pumpkin Patch event brings community together

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By Christa Jennings

Senior Staff Writer

 

With the arrival of fall, Kelly’s Crossroads hosted a special community event last Saturday for area residents and families to enjoy.

The business, located in the Richville community, held a Pumpkin Patch event and allowed vendors to set up for free to showcase their wares. For the occasion, the deli had barbecue sandwiches as a special menu item, and guests had the opportunity to pick and purchase a pumpkin from the many available in the field on the property.

Co-owner Jamie Thornton credits her daughter for the event, saying the Pumpkin Patch was actually Remy Thornton’s idea. She added that they believe the event was a great success.

“The community really showed up and supported all of the vendors who came out,” she said. “We sold about 170 barbecue sandwiches and heard from many people afterward who said how nice it was to see the parking lot full, neighbors visiting and activity in the community.”

Approximately 10 vendors set up for the event, including Bama Bakery, Vanilla Heaven, The Cookie Plug, Pee-Dee’s Pickled Things, The Rustic Loaf, Coosa Crafts, and more. Vendors offered a wide variety of items from planters and woodworking crafts to homemade crocheted items; baked goods such as cookies, cakes and fresh bread; body scrubs; dish towels; tote bags; on-site screen-printed T-shirts; Christmas crafts; and more.

Thornton said the feedback from vendors was overwhelmingly positive, especially since it’s estimated that 200 people stopped by throughout the day.

Sandy Pate with Coosa Crafts told Thornton that she had as much business during Saturday’s event as she did last year at Farm Day and already has several new shirt orders to fill.

Cindy and Debbie Natali sold out of all except a few of their craft items, and The Rustic Loaf, Bama Bakery and other vendors all reported doing well and shared that they appreciated the steady crowd and community support.

“Bama Bakery shared that there was a great turnout and that it was wonderful to see so many familiar faces while also meeting new people from the area,” Thornton said. “They said it was heartwarming to see so many folks supporting local businesses and coming together as a community.”

In addition to the pumpkins and vendors, there was also a photo op section set up with a fall theme; a swing on Jeff and Carol Mullendore’s fire truck, which was a treat for the children; and Travis Thornton brought his dwarf goats, which Jamie Thornton said were “a huge hit and made the day even more fun for families.”

Additionally, Craig Martin took the opportunity to capture some drone footage of the day’s event.

“We want to give a special thank you to everyone who helped make the event possible – from those who helped us get the pumpkins, set up for Saturday and cook the Boston butts Friday night, to all who pitched in throughout the day on Saturday,” Thornton said. “It truly took a team effort, and we’re so grateful for everyone’s help and support.”

Regarding any other seasonal events that might be in the works, she said they are open to ideas for other community events.

“We love seeing everyone come together, and we have the space to make it happen – so we’re looking forward to planning more activities in the future,” she said.

Kelly’s Crossroads still has about 20 carving pumpkins available for those who may need one. They can be purchased at Kelly’s Crossroads in Richville during regular business hours.

In addition to being open to suggestions for other community events, Thornton said they do plan to host the Pumpkin Patch again next year.

“The turnout and support were so encouraging, and it was wonderful to see how much everyone enjoyed it,” she said.