MASSIVE MAMMOTH PUMPKINS sprawl across brick and cement walkways under the bridge in Wabasha in this season of autumn. Here among dried leaves drifted from trees and below traffic crossing the Mississippi River between Minnesota and Wisconsin, locals have staged the Pumpkin Patch.
It’s a place that attracts all ages, that draws people here to wander among the gigantic pumpkins somehow wrangled into place. This year’s winning pumpkin, grown by Gary Russell of Plainview, weighs 879 pounds. That’s a lot of pumpkin.
As enthralled as I was by these hefty pumpkins, I observed that my 18-month-old granddaughter and a lot of other kids (and their parents and grandparents) and others were equally as impressed.
My granddaughter carries a bean bag to toss into the candy corn prop.
The Pumpkin Patch certainly celebrates the season with pumpkins of all sizes, festive fall displays, themed kids’ games, occasional pony rides and music, and more. It’s the perfect mix to bring people to this spot, to draw them into nearby boutiques, eateries and more as they explore this southeastern Minnesota river town.
Izzy loves owls, including this one painted onto a tree in a bean bag toss game.
Families pose for photos on the stage against backdrops of fall decor.
Just across the street, more autumn-themed activities await families. Check back tomorrow as I showcase that portion of Wabasha’s SeptOberfest celebration. Wabasha wins my high praise for crafting creative spaces that focus on families and celebrate autumn in Minnesota.
FYI: For more details on all events in Wabasha’s nearly two-month-long SeptOberfest, click here.
To read about Zootopia on the RiverFront, my first post in this three-part series from Wabasha, click here.
© Copyright 2017 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Looks like a fun time and those pumpkins are huge!
The sizes of those pumpkins certainly impressed. It was a fun place, especially with the granddaughter.
Izzy is at that age where she just soaks in everything – love that age đŸ™‚ Happy Weekend – Enjoy!
You are so right. To see the world through her eyes delights me.
I am Lisa of John & Lisa! It is a great thing for our community and all of Minnesota/Wisconsin and everywhere!
I agree, Lisa. What’s the secret to growing a gigantic pumpkin?
TLC, just what all living things need! (And a bit of luck with good weather) đŸ˜‰
I like that “TLC, just what all living things need!”
This is such a fun place to go with the grandkids, Izzy seemed like she really liked those pumpkins đŸ™‚
Have you been there with the grandkids?
Yes I believe it was last year, we really enjoyed it!
Do you recall the theme of last year’s kids’ play area?
Audrey I believe it was a “bug” theme, here is my blog post from last year http://jackie000.blogspot.com/2016/09/you-should-really-check-this.html
Thanks for the link, Jackie. I see I read that post a year ago, but clearly forgot. What fun you all had and some more great family activities.
As always your images are sharp and fully capture the fun of the pumpkin event. Izzy looks captivated by it all. .
Thank you, Sue. Izzy was overwhelmed at first, but quickly took it all in and loved the Pumpkin Patch.
I love seeing Izzy photos especially.
Oh, good. I try not to overdo it with the Izzy pix. But I do love sharing them.
Those pumpkins are almost as big as your granddaughter.
Yup. They’re pretty impressive.