By Lindsay Doty
Nehemiah Ranch in Avon and volunteers are expecting hundreds of visitors if the weather cooperates.
The 34-acre scenic farm offers a unique evening pumpkin patch experience that’s free and run completely by volunteers from local churches.
“We are just Jesus Christ is Lord. Volunteers are all faith-based and come from various churches,” said Jeff Leath, property owner, and volunteer.
“I just feel like I was answering God’s call to start this. A place where people can unplug, and be close to God and family.”
He and his wife and children, along with volunteers and board members help run the fall event and rely on donations to keep it going.
It started 7 years ago with a simple add for free pumpkins on Craigslist and has grown into a fall tradition taking place the first three Saturdays of October.
At the ranch, they encourage guests to turn off technology (besides the occasional cute kid pic) and embrace the outdoors, family, and faith.
“It’s rustic and it’s full of nature. You feel like you are protected by the trees and you are in the country on an old farm but you are close to home,” he said.
Whether it’s planting the pumpkins at the beginning of the season or packing up s’mores the day before, the ranch crew works as a team.
“It’s a community effort with everyone pitching in,” said Leath.
Saturday’s Fall Harvest will have evening hayrides, hot dogs, hot chocolate, s’mores, pumpkins for the kids, and music.
If you go:
What: Fall Harvest Days Nehemiah Ranch
Where: 1420 N County Road 600 East, Avon
When: 6-10 p.m. Oct. 19
Cost: Free-Donation
Jeff recommends registering if you are going onn Saturday.
Contact JEFF@NEHEMIAHRANCH.ORG
