WICHITA FALLS ( KFDX/KJTL ) — Wichita Falls’ longest-running pumpkin patch is returning for year 26 alongside year three of the Pumpkin Festival.

University United Methodist Church’s annual pumpkin patch is open for business as the church gears up for the third annual Pumpkin Festival on Saturday evening, October 5.

But between both festivities, for church members, it’s more than just family fall fun—it’s a chance to bridge congregation with community.

“We do get to see so many of the repeat faces come in and go on and new faces,” UUMC member and volunteer Debbie Yancey said. “It’s a joy to see them year after year.”

While the pumpkin patch may be a staple for some, Senior Pastor Zack Landis hopes their third pumpkin festival gets the community equally pumped up for fall.

“Our Boy Scout troop has been doing a camp out every year in the pumpkin patch, and they’ve been watching movies afar on the side of the church,” Landis said. “We were like, ‘Why don’t we just open that up to the community?”

For Vancey, both autumnal activities bring out the best parts of the season.

“We really enjoy having the pumpkins out here to bring in that season,” she said. “The fellowship that we have out here is just beyond words.”

For Landis, it’s a chance to tie UUMC with the community.

“It’s something that has given new life to our church,” he said. “With Floral Heights closing down… It’s kind of like we’ve had a revival here, and it’s just, we’re just excited, doing this for our community, and actually being more outwardly focused as a church.”

To him, both are more than meets the eye: they carry on family traditions.

“He had been coming to the pumpkin patch every year with his mom for every year of his life, and he’s now bringing his son, his wife, his mom, and the grandma,” Landis said about a pumpkin patch attendee. “That is such a cool thing when you’re thinking it’s just a pumpkin patch, but it means a lot to a lot of people.”

Saturday’s free festival will be held at the church, 3405 Taft Blvd, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will include games, food, and “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.”

The pumpkin patch will be opened until all pumpkins have sold, from Sunday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information, call (940) 767-8511 .

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