As the fall season comes into full swing, one local business opens its doors to Pumpkintown USA, a popular local attraction that gives its residents a look at an entire village full of pumpkin characters and attractions.
Since 1993, Paul's & Sandy’s Too Garden Center in East Hampton has been the home to Pumpkintown. Here, over 58 “pumpkin head people” are showcased in their yesteryear-style village complete with everything from country stores and a post office to a town jail that houses the local bad guy, Spud. Families can walk through the village and explore each unique pumpkin character and their surroundings while enjoying some apple cider or other festive snacks.
Co-owner Dan Peszynski says it all started back in 1993 as an idea his father had, with only a few pumpkin characters out in front of the store. Since then it has “evolved into the ever-expanding village that it has become today,” he says.
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As you walk through the village, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a ton of other weekend activities for the kids. A giant pumpkin moon-bounce, water balloon launchers, tire obstacle course, hay maze, and even face painting are all available.
However, this year will be the grand opening of Pumpkintown’s newest attraction “The Ride,” where customers will be taken on a mile-long hayride through the “Pumpkintown Forest,” an extension of Pumpkintown. Here, riders will be able to catch a glimpse of more than 30 pumpkin-headed characters and their respective places of business or homes.
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“The ride is meant to capture the essence of everything the original Pumpkintown has to offer, and apply that to an enjoyable hayride," Peszynski said. "Providing the locals with a fun place to bring the kids on the weekends at a reasonable price is what it’s all about.”
As an added bonus, they will be providing free child ID cards on Saturday, Oct. 8 and Oct. 15 from noon to 3 p.m.
Pumpkintown is open now through Halloween from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with limited activities on weekdays. The cost of admission is $4 per person on weekends and Columbus Day, and $1 on weekdays. Of course, non-walking infants will be welcomed in for free. Also, $1 of the admission price will go to Sandy Peszynski’s Breast Cancer Foundation.
The hayride is only open on weekends and cost’s $6 per person.
