CHESTER – An 18-wheeler parked in front of Trinity United Methodist Church had a fire-brigade line of folks unloading pumpkins from New Mexico last Thursday in preparation for the 17th year of the Trinity Pumpkin Patch. Sales of the pumpkins have begun and will be through Oct. 31.
Trinity United Methodist Church has partnered with Pumpkin Patch Fundraisers every year to supply a variety of pumpkins and gourds. Pumpkin Patch is located on the Navajo Reservation in New Mexico and provides employment 
opportunities for Native Americans. The staff and management is 100 percent Navajo.
During harvest, they hire Pueblo, both Zuni and Hopi tribes. Unemployment on the Navajo Reservation is 42 percent. Not only does the church support local missions with their sales, they also support Native American job opportunity.
The children’s ministry is gearing up for Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 15 from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. Food trucks and a petting zoo will be available along with games, a bounce house and some live music. Children are encouraged to wear their costumes and collect treats. Baked goods will be for sale to support the children’s mission, “Stop Hunger Now.”
Pre-schools and daycares interested in coming to the pumpkin lot to learn where they come from and how they grow may call John Morris at 777-9163 to schedule their visit.
The pumpkins and straw bales also allow opportunities to take fall pictures with the pumpkins or with a variety of wooden screen characters.
The Pumpkin Patch at Trinity United Methodist Church, located on Iron Bridge Road across from the Chesterfield Meadows Shopping Center, is open Monday through Friday from 3:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. until 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday from 12:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
