Changing seasons

The trappings of fall will be on full display next weekend at the annual Sundance Pumpkin Patch festival, an opportunity for adults to pick out the perfect squash while the kids enjoy cider, carnival games and wagon rides. All the usual favorites will be available, says organizer Joni Spaulding.

“This year, we will also have a cider press, you can bring your own apples and he will press them for you,” she says of the festival’s newest attraction.

“He’s even going to stay later if people still have apples that need pressed. It will be a free cup of cider for the kids, pressed right into the cup.”

Alongside the always-popular horse drawn wagon and pony rides courtesy of Chatfield Ranches, little visitors will have the chance to enjoy an obstacle course, big slide bouncers, balloon animals and pumpkin painting. Spaulding hopes to make the face painting a fundraiser for Crook County Family Violence this year.

Older attendees will likely gravitate more towards the farmers market, food vendors and pumpkin and fall décor sales.

“Senior Citizens will also be having their yard sale again,” Spaulding adds. “There are also going to be some new vendors this year.”

Meanwhile, those who enjoy fall-themed food will have choices galore: “Pumpkin soft serve, pumpkin latte, pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin cookies,” she smiles.

Spaulding is also aiming to introduce a new entertainment for the crowd: pumpkin pie eating contests. The hope is to secure the help of the local FFA kids, who will compete to eat the most pies as their audience compete to “purchase” their chosen contestant through an auction.

Half the money will go back to the bidder and the other half to the fundraiser, Spaulding says.

Scarecrow contest

Of course, no pumpkin patch would be complete without the opportunity to pick your favorite scarecrow from the offerings dotted around town. Scarecrows need to be up by no later than Wednesday, October 2.

Forms have already been delivered to the people and businesses who usually participate but are also available from the Bearlodge Bakery, Spaulding says.

“I have to take a picture by Wednesday so I can get them printed out,” she explains. “Contact me or just stop by and pick up a form to fill out, otherwise I don’t know where your scarecrow is or that you are entering.”

If you are interested in participating from the other side of the table, Spaulding would welcome any assistance throughout the day.

“I’m looking for volunteers and a lot of help,” she nods.

In particular, Spaulding would also like to include cookie decorating again as it’s an activity the kids particularly enjoy, but is in need of a volunteer to oversee.

Weather concerns

Having heard sporadic reports of potential storms over the next few weeks, Spaulding would also like to warn the community that the show may not be able to go on.

“If it is bad weather and there is snow on the ground, the bounce houses can’t set up and we can’t put pumpkins on the ground. If there is snow or the temperature is too low, we will have to cancel,” she says.