Fall is in the air, which means residents can make the most of the season by spending time taking trips to local farms for hayrides, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and other festivities.
As a popular local destination site each autumn, Fieth Family Farm offers a wide variety of family-friendly activities.
One of their most well-known attractions is the 13-acre corn maze, promising lots of twists, turns, and dead-ends. The farm also features a couple of smaller mazes, inflatables, and play equipment.
Well into their 16th year on the farm, the Fieth family began welcoming the public for their 2022 season on Sept. 24. The farm is currently open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays, and 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays until Sunday, Oct. 30.
“We appreciate the support of the Bolivar community,” owner Vicky Fieth says. “We’ve had several people come out to say that they are thankful we are here. There seems to be quite a bit of awareness that we are out here and that the community appreciates us.”
The cost of admission at Fieth Family Farm is $12 per person for ages 4 to 64. A discounted admission rate is only $8 for seniors (65 and older) and military personnel.
Fall fanatics might find Fieth Family Farm to be an ideal meeting place for birthday parties, family reunions, field trips, and other group events. Campfire sites can be reserved for $40, and a gazebo area can be reserved for $60.
Rates and reservations can be made by calling 417-326-6758. Fieth Family Farms is located at 1663 E 490th Rd. in Bolivar.
Another fall destination site in the Bolivar area is The Pumpkin Patch at 83 and Vine Farm. Offering a family-friendly atmosphere with pumpkin-pickings and playgrounds for children, the farm opened its gates to the community with a soft opening on Sept. 17, but since the beginning of October, the activities at 83 and Vine Farm have been in full swing.
Having lived in the area for only five months, Michelle Perry, owner of 83 and Vine Farm, says that this is their first year operating the pumpkin patch.
“We’ve got a ton accomplished. We have a 4-acre maze, inflatables, a giant pumpkin, and a very storybook pumpkin patch,” Perry says. “Our claim to fame is our train for adults and kids. It’s a full-size train with a traditional engine. The cars come with bench seating that will make it easier to get in and out. The train makes a loop around the farm and goes to and from the pumpkin patch, so families can select a pumpkin and take it on the train back with them.”
Another highlight of the farm is their 240-pound pumpkin named Gordon. Perry admits that while Gordon is a long way from breaking the world record for largest pumpkin – over 2,500 pounds – many visitors of the farm are still impressed by his size.
The farm also sells mums and other locally-grown fall decor, and many visitors can enjoy the rows of towering sunflowers.
“I think people are impressed by how picturesque it is. It is truly a beautiful place, and it’s a thrill to be a part of Bolivar,” Perry states.
As a retired educator, Perry has had 25 years of field trips to pumpkin patches, so she’s been able to gain plenty of experience in order to generate ideas and incorporate educational experiences and decorations at her pumpkin patch.
83 and Vine Farm also features Camp Scream S’more, a not-so-spooky trail that features kid-friendly Halloween attractions and decorations.
“It’s a fun Halloween experience for the young or young at heart,” says Perry. “We have been welcomed with open arms and have received glowing feedback. It’s been a blast meeting each and everyone of our guests. We’ve met so many neighbors and friends. It’s been fun meeting everyone, and we’ve been overwhelmed with people who can’t believe how cool it is.”
The farm is open Friday afternoons, and from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is $12, which includes all day-time activities. The nighttime walking trail is an additional $8, but a combo ticket that features all activities can be bought for a cheaper price.
The Pumpkin Patch at 83 and Vine Farm is located at 1171 E 412th Rd. in Bolivar. For more information, call 417-599-9242.
There’s something for everyone this season, and with several options of activities at these local farms, there’s nothing short of fun that will be sure to create lasting memories and traditions for families this year and in the years to come.
