Southland’s Sincerest Pumpkin Patch Opens At Oak Lawn ‘Pumpkin Church’

OAK LAWN, IL — After 13 years of filling its sprawling front lawn with pumpkins of assorted sizes, colors, bumps and warts, First United Methodist Church of Oak Lawn has deservedly earned its title as the ‘Pumpkin Church.

The most sincere pumpkin patch in the south suburbs and perhaps the world opens Sunday, Oct. 8, at 100th Street and Central Avenue in Oak Lawn. Pumpkins and gourds of all shapes, colors and sizes will be spread across the church lawn.

Pumpkins will be delivered around 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7. Scouts and students interested in earning community service hours can show up at the church and help arrange pumpkins for the patch.

If you’re working on your fall or Halloween yard decor, or just want to tire your preschooler out before their afternoon nap, stop by First United Methodist and pick out a pumpkin. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday through Oct. 31.

In addition to pumpkins – which are gorgeous this year – tractor rides will be available for a small fee. There are spots for fall family pictures, a scavenger hunt, and a Halloween and Christmas gift and decor tent, and homemade baked goods for purchase, including Dawn’s amazing pumpkin bread. Make some memories with your kids and grandkids by building a scarecrow for $15.

Other events are also planned during the pumpkin sale:

• Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the movie, at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13. (The movie will be moved indoors if inclement weather.) Popcorn, snacks and drinks will be for sale.
• Parking Lot Sales 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 14. (Sellers call the church for more info.)
• Vendor/Craft Fair, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
• Blood Drive (call church to register)
• Trunk or Treat, 2 to 4 p.m.

For more information about the pumpkin patch, selling stuff at the parking lot sale or register for the blood drive, call First United Methodist Church of Oak Lawn, 100th Street and Central Avenue, at 708-423-1170 or email [email protected].