By Kate Bartlett
Fall is on the horizon, and Pumpkinville in Great Valley celebrated their opening weekend September 14-15th. This family owned and operated farm has been building family traditions since 1968 and the Pawlowski’s are thrilled to be back for their 56th year. It truly is the original destination for everything fall.
Before the Pawlowski’s, Pumpkinville was originally located on route 98 as a small family run farm that had been in operation since 1956. “Back then, it was just a small pumpkin display in the Halloran’s yard,” recalls Lisa Pawlowski, current co-owner and operator. The Pawlowski’s moved the farm to its current location, 4844 Sugartown Road in Great Valley in 1996. “We had big hopes for Pumpkinville, and needed more land and room to expand. It has far exceeded our expectations and we couldn’t be happier.”
Pumpkinville grew little by little into what it has become today: a 250-acre farm and destination for families to spend the day and make memories year after year. Activities include corn maze, cow train, jumping pillow, kids fun zone, gem mining, apple blaster, paintball, carousel, Pumpkinville Express Train, hayride, petting zoo (goats, pigs, horses, chickens and more), baby chick encounters and more. The Candy Cannon blasts of twice/day on weekends, and delicious food and beverages are available for purchase.
Pumpkinville is introducing a few new activities this year that fit in perfectly with the farms style. The first is an original 1920’s crank tractor that has been repurposed into an interactive exhibit for kids (and adults) complete with steam and perfect for photo ops. Second, the Henway Piano features giant piano keys with singing hens. Last but not least, is the corn barn, a 4,608 square foot barn full of corn for digging, scooping and playing for all ages. Complete with digging toys and farm equipment, kids can use their imaginations to build mountains, dig ditches or make corn angels.
Also new this year, Pumpkinville is offering exclusive carving lessons with Guinness World Record Holder Eric Jones. Olean, NY native, Eric Jones is a celebrated sculptor and caricature artist. He has been featured on The Food Network’s Halloween Wars, holds the 2023 Guinness World Record for carving the largest jack-o-lantern, and is the Season 3 WINNER of The Food Network’s Outrageous Pumpkins. Guests will learn extravagant pumpkin carving skills from Eric Jones and take their creations home; carving and sip and carve (21+) classes are available throughout the season. (You can read more about Eric in next week’s edition of The Villager.)
In the early 2000s the Pawlowski’s brought an antique cider press from Randolph on site to produce fresh pressed cider. The machine currently operates 3 days/week and is open for guests viewing in the cider mill. “The cider is always our most popular item, behind pumpkins of course,” says Lisa. “Families love to experience the apples being pressed and watch it being made right before their eyes, the old-fashioned way.” Apples are dumped straight from the crates, into the machine starting the process of cider. “The smell is fantastic and it really adds to the experience.”
Lisa reports the pumpkin crop is excellent this year, with an early variety of colored pumpkins. “We had plenty of rain this year, helping us yield a great harvest. We have plenty of pumpkins, in all shapes and sizes, squash, gourds and apples for purchase.” Pumpkinville also offers a variety of specialty gift shops, which are open to the general public and do not require admission tickets. Food stands are also open to the public, so everyone can enjoy their specialty BBQs, kettle corn, apple pie and pumpkin muffins.
Not only does Pumpkinville offer entertainment for all ages, but it’s a family-run business. “We’re here every day, working hard and having fun. Our family is here to help your family make memories year after year.” Lisa, along with her mom (Diane), dad (Dan), brother (Jim) and their spouses and children are hands-on and working at Pumpkinville throughout the season, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Last but not least, you can’t beat the location. “Our location, just outside of Ellicottville, is just perfect. The views of the foliage in the valley are phenomenal and the sunsets can’t be beat. We get those cool fall mornings and evenings; it’s the ideal fall feeling.”
Lisa, and the rest of the Pawlowski family, loves hearing stories of families that return year after year. “I love hearing that our farm is a place of family traditions. It’s why we do this; we’re honored to offer a place where families can enjoy spending time together and memoires are made, year after year.”
Pumpkinville is open through Halloween 9am-7pm with weekend and weekday pricing and season passes available: https://pumpkinville.com/. Tickets for Eric Jones events can be purchased online. For updates follow on social media @ Pumpkinville.