Holy Cross Pumpkin Patch kicks off 10th season in downtown Simpsonville
October 2, 2016
The Holy Cross Pumpkin Patch will begin its 2016 season on Saturday, October 1, marking the patch’s 10-year anniversary in downtown Simpsonville.
What began a decade ago as a ministry of Holy Cross Episcopal Church to support a Habitat for Humanity build has grown to provide funding for additional nonprofits and ministry partners across the Upstate. The patch has raised $180,000 in its 10-year history, and has donated 100% of those profits to local charities.
The beneficiaries of the 2016 season proceeds include Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County, Fountain Inn Kids Enrichment, Holy Cross Academy Scholarship Fund, James Monroe Mission House, Little Steps, Safe Harbor, Synergy Garden, Upstate Warrior Solution, Greenville Literacy Association and Golden Strip Emergency Relief.
Four truckloads will deliver over 150,000 pounds of pumpkins over the course of the season. Five hundred volunteers, including church volunteers and volunteers from local ministry partners, will unload nearly 9,000 large pumpkins for this year’s patch, as well as smaller pumpkins, corn stalks, and gourds. In addition to pumpkin picking, families can also enjoy wagon rides for children and a fall-themed photo booth.
“We are proud that our patch has grown to benefit multiple ministry partners in each season,” said Randy Cockrill, patch director. “Our selection and variety of products is unmatched in the area, and we look forward to serving our community again in 2016.”
Individual sales make up the majority of patch sales, but Holy Cross can also accommodate bulk orders. Holy Cross has been ranked as one of the top 10 pumpkin patches in sales by volume by the patch’s supplier, Pumpkins USA.
The patch will again be located at 109 W. Trade Street in front of Vaughn’s Country Store. Hours of the patch will be Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 6 p.m. The patch will remain open through Halloween or until all the pumpkins are sold. The patch accepts cash, checks, and major credit cards.
For additional information on the pumpkin patch, visit the official Facebook page or contact Randy Cockrill at [email protected].
