SAUGUS ― For the 19th year, the First Congregational Church in Saugus Center will host a
pumpkin patch, beginning on Sept. 25.
Fortunately, the church was able to hold the event last year, albeit with added health precautions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, Carl Spencer, who plans the event on behalf of the church, said that he is happy to bring the community together again after some forced separation and isolation.
“It’s going to be bringing a kind of normalcy back to the event,” said Spencer. “It’s going to be nice. We do have the same people come every year and they look forward to buying their pumpkins here, so it will be nice to see everyone.”
Pumpkins of all sizes will be displayed on the church lawn and will be available for
purchase every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The truck delivering the pumpkins will arrive on Saturday, Sept. 25 at 9 a.m.
The pumpkins make a long journey to the church in Saugus. They are shipped all the way from New Mexico, courtesy of the Navajo Nation. The church is a part of a program called Pumpkin Patch USA, a nonprofit that helps transport the orange gourds and ensures that they reach churches across the country.
The Navajo growers get a portion of the profits while the church also gets a piece of the pie. Spencer said that the funds help them give out two $500 scholarships to Saugus High students.
“It’s great for the Navajos, (and) it’s great for the church,” said Spencer.
Spencer added that after being unable to hold events such as pie and ice-cream socials last year, the festivities will indeed be returning in 2021. Proceeds from the socials help the church with more of its charitable efforts.
The pumpkins will be sold up until the end of Halloween.