By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Painting the town orange
Annual Pumpkin Patch is Saturday
0810-Pumpkin-Patch-Oct-2008-019
The Pumpkin Patch is a favorite fall tradition for Richmond Hill residents. - photo by Photo provided.
With the Richmond Hill Garden Club’s Pumpkin Patch just around the corner, there’s no question that fall has officially arrived.

The annual event, now in its eleventh year, brings the colors and traditions of autumn to Bryan County.

Pumpkins of all sizes, mums, homemade baked goods and seasonal décor will all be on sale. This year, for the first time, Garden Club members will be making and selling fall wreaths. Children can join in on the fun, too, with face painting, a bean bag toss, balloon animals, and more.

Current Garden Club president, Debby Paduszynski, and Pumpkin Patch coordinator, Jan Davis, have worked hard to prepare for the event, and are confident that it will be a success.

“It turns out to be a good community event, so we take pride in the fact that people come from Savannah to come into Richmond Hill for the Patch,” said Paduszynski.

“It’s fun for the community, but it’s also our primary fundraiser for the year,” added Davis.

Proceeds from all Pumpkin Patch sales go towards local beautification projects, as well as a scholarship fund for a Richmond Hill High School student planning to pursue a degree related to horticulture.

“Primarily, the money that we earn from this does go to the scholarship, and we are now actively planting at Henderson Park and at Bryan County Health and Rehabilitation Center,” said Paduszynski.

The Pumpkin Lady, a favorite mainstay and the official greeter of the Pumpkin Patch, will also be returning this year in her bright orange costume.

“I am the Pumpkin Lady,” divulged Paduszynski. “We encourage people to bring their own cameras, and I pose and hold babies sit on hay bales with the kids … it's just so much fun.”

The Garden Club will also be collecting soda can pull-tabs during the event to benefit Ronald McDonald House.

Those interested in joining the Garden Club or volunteering with plantings or events (including upcoming holiday events such as the annual Hometown Christmas Parade or Richmond Hill Holiday Tour of Homes) will be able to find information at the event as well.

“It’s is a very diverse group … right now we have about 50 members, but we’re always looking to grow that number for anyone who’s interested,” said Paduszynski.

The Pumpkin Patch will take place at J.F. Gregory Park on Saturday, October 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is free, with nominal fees for children’s games. Pumpkin prices will range from about $3 to $10, depending on size.

Sign up for our E-Newsletters