PUMPKINLAND How it All Began It seems like we have been growing pumpkins forever. When our children were growing up, Dave always enjoyed growing a few pumpkin plants in our garden, especially the very large variety. In 1988, when our children, Sherry, Kelly, and Darren were still in high school and middle school, we had harvested a few pumpkins out of our garden and set up a corn shock with the pumpkins by the edge of the garden. We had people stopping to ask if those pumpkins were for sale. Our children came up with the idea that the next year they would grow and sell pumpkins, and they sold about 70 pumpkins off of our front step. Cornshock 1988 For Sale 1989 Over the next several years, Dave and I made the decision to try to intentionally grow this business, and went from selling produce off of a hayrack parked in front of our house, to selling out of our garage. In those early days, we often used the honor system, leaving a little sign and a lot of trust. What started out as our kid's project turned into a family project. In 1996 we put up a new Morton Warehouse, which we are currently using for our PUMPKINLAND business. Here is an aerial view of our farm and and one of our early corn mazes. Mazeland Dave and Helen with grandchildren Kelsey, Karli, and Colin. Our grandchildren have always referred to us as their "Grandpa & Grandma Pumpkin". In addition, many of their little friends also claim us as their "Grandpa & Grandma Pumpkin". G & G Family When they are not at PUMPKINLAND, you might find "Grandpa & Grandma Pumpkin" cruising in their orange PT Cruiser. MAZELAND Corn Maze Our corn maze is an activity that all ages can enjoy: young families pushing a stroller, youngsters, teenagers, young couples, middle aged adults, or even 70-80 year old "kids". Our corn maze is approximately 7 acres. If you were to walk every path in the maze, you would walk approximately 1 mile. When planning your trip to PUMPKINLAND, allow 45 minutes to 1 hour for the maze. Our 2013 Corn Maze features a stegosaurus dinosaur. In 2012 our Corn Maze was a picture of a cow jumping over the moon. 2012 Mazeland For an extra challenge you can look for the hidden mailboxes. If you find them all you will receive a treat from our concession stand. If you would like to schedule an after dark trip through the maze give us a call at 712-737-8364, and don't forget to bring your flashlight! ANIMAL-LAND Petting Zoo Down on our farm you'll find llamas, goats, sheep, turkeys, ducks, geese, peacocks, exotic chickens, kittens, puppies, bunnies, and even a painted turtle. "Cliff the Goat" is the star of the book "I'm the Only One Who Loves Cliff the Goat" written by Lisa Laird and illustrated by Hannah Jorgensen, both of Orange City. Cliff, a pygmy goat, lived with Lisa Laird and her family on the edge of town from spring 2003 through summer 2005. For the first year, Cliff was "a good little goat". But, then Cliff decided he did not like being confined, and started getting into trouble. All of the things described in Lisa's book actually happened and it finally became obvious that to keep peace in the neighborhood, Cliff could no longer stay with the Lairds. So 2 1/2 years into Cliff's life, he returned to the Huitink's farm where he was born, and back to PUMPKINLAND. Now, Cliff receives lots of visitors who have read the book, and want to meet the mischievous goat. Alan, Lisa's husband, and Lisa also wrote a book entitled "Cows Can Be Scary". Lisa provides family and children's entertainment with her friends at "Pockets Full of Fun". Lisa's programs are fun-filled with ventriloquism, magic tricks, stories, and music which will entertain, encourage, and educate. Check out Lisa Laird's web site at www.pocketsfulloffun.com.