Fall Fun Blooms in Universal City: Pumpkin Patch Season is Here!
The crisp air of fall has finally settled in Universal City, Texas, bringing along one of the most cherished traditions of the season—the beloved pumpkin patch! Nothing says autumn quite like the joy of hayrides, the hunt for the perfect pumpkin, and the warmth of community gatherings. Local families are buzzing with excitement as the Universal City Pumpkin Patch opens its gates this Friday, welcoming everyone to join in on the seasonal festivities.
A Community Tradition
Every year, families gather at the pumpkin patch to pour their hearts into picking pumpkins and decorating their patios. As Stephanie Tennis, a local mom, joyfully shares, “The kids love being out here with their friends, picking their pumpkins to decorate the patio with.” Not only does this event offer a chance for children to express their creativity, but it also serves as a great bonding experience for families—especially in this vibrant military community where new faces arrive every year.
Stephanie adds, “It’s a great time for families to come out and get to know each other. We’ve got a lot of new families every year. And it’s a fantastic way to meet people while enjoying the fun atmosphere.” It’s this spirit of community and camaraderie that makes the pumpkin patch a highlight for many!
Weathering the Drought
But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing for pumpkin growers in recent years. The region has faced a harsh multi-year drought, affecting not only the number of pumpkins but also their quality. Oly Schaefer, director of the Universal City Pumpkin Patch, notes, “We noticed that in the past few years that the pumpkins were a little less quality than they’ve been in the past.” However, this year is shaping up to be different, much to the relief of pumpkin lovers.
Thanks to some much-needed rainfall in the West Texas area, specifically around Lubbock, this year’s crop of pumpkins is looking promising. “This year, it seems like the area they’ve come from got rain so you can definitely see a difference,” Schaefer explains with a hopeful smile.
Fun Amidst the Heat
Despite the excitement of the season, the infamous Texas heat is still making its presence felt. The sun can be quite relentless, and as Schaefer warns, “The heat is still on, which may cause pumpkins to rot.” But not to worry; they have taken precautionary measures to ensure that the pumpkins stay in tip-top shape. “We try to keep a lot of the pumpkins in the shade,” Schaefer reassures. This way, whether it’s sunny or not, families can enjoy their outing without a hitch.
The unwavering spirit of the community shines through as Schaefer adds with enthusiasm, “Oh, no. It doesn’t stop the fun at all. We’re in Texas. We’re used to hot!”
Mark Your Calendars!
Now that the pumpkins are ready and waiting, it’s time for you and your family to dive into the fun! The Universal City pumpkin patch opens this Friday and will be available every weekend through Halloween. If you’re looking for a delightful way to embrace the fall season, there’s no better option than joining friends and families at the patch.
Schaefer encourages everyone to come out, “Come, buy a pumpkin, have a good time, take pictures and make memories.” So grab your hats, roundup your loved ones, and get ready for a season filled with smiles, laughter, and, of course, pumpkins!
Other Fall Festivities in the Area
In addition to the pumpkin patch, there are several other exciting attractions nearby, such as the Circle N Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch and the Traders Village CORNy Maze. There’s no shortage of fall festivities to explore!
So don’t miss out on the magical autumn experience right here in Universal City. Pack a picnic, bring the family, and let the fall fun begin!
