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 
Recent Comments