By Jessica Dillon
The Grace Network Pumpkin Patch has reopened for the season, once again offering a field full of bright pumpkins for families to enjoy.
Volunteers unloaded the pumpkins on Sept. 25, and a ribbon cutting was held Sept. 30 to dedicate a new pavilion that will provide shelter for those working the patch.
The new structure honors longtime volunteer Kenny Smith and features a plaque reading “The Keeper of the Pumpkin Patch.” Smith was well-known for his tireless help with the patch and around First Baptist Church, where the event is held.
“We certainly will miss our Kenny,” said Executive Director Tracy Hinchcliff. “Kenny Smith was always just a wonderful soul that stayed in our community and helped out here all the time. He helped rotate the pumpkins so they wouldn’t rot, picked out the bad ones, and took care of the patch. It takes a lot of work.”
Hinchcliff said the permanent pavilion has been a longtime dream. “We’ve done this pumpkin patch for almost 19 years now, and we’ve always had a tent,” she said. “Sometimes the weather took it, and sometimes it didn’t. We are so grateful for a real structure that we can put over our volunteers.”
The pumpkin patch is entirely run by volunteers, with all proceeds supporting local families through Grace Network’s outreach programs. “We are so grateful to the community that comes together to help us — man the patch, unload them, take care of them,” Hinchcliff said.
Vice Mayor Kathy Lawson attended the dedication to honor Smith’s memory. “He passed away recently, very unexpectedly, so this is a tribute to him,” Lawson said. “Your proceeds are going to a very worthwhile cause — all of the good work that Grace Network does.”
The Grace Network Pumpkin Patch is located at First Baptist Church, 23 Starling Ave., Martinsville. Hours are Monday through Friday from 1 to 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. The final day of the season will be Thursday, Oct. 31, from 1 to 4 p.m.
