Two and a half truckloads of pumpkins are on the way to Miami Lakes United Methodist Church for the 20th Annual Pumpkin Patch. The church, located at 14800 N.W. 67 Avenue on the corner of Miami Lakes Drive and Ludlum Road, welcomes two-and-a-half truckloads of pumpkins on Wednesday, October 4, one truckload alone containing over 2000 pumpkins and weighing over 43,000 pounds.
The patch is open daily, October 5 - 31, with free admission on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and $3 admission for adults after 4 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends. Children 12 and under are free with the paid admission of one adult ticket. The $3 admission may be applied toward any pumpkin or gourd purchase.
The traditional Fall Festival and Craft Show is cancelled for this year and in its place will be an event every Saturday of the month. Updates will be made on the church website for event scheduling and details. Crafters interested in participating should email babagrap@gmail.com for a vendor application.
Pumpkins, Pumpkins, Pumpkins!: In addition to the October 4 delivery, other truckloads will arrive on October 18, and 25. Arrivals are planned for 4 p.m. Students in need of volunteer hours should call 305-821-7274 or email office@miamilakesumc.net. Pumpkins of all sizes will be available for purchase along with decorative gourds of all shapes and related retail items.
Outdoor Movie Night will be every Friday beginning at sundown. Movies are free. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase.
Photo opportunities abound at the Pumpkin Patch and there are new additions this year including the Pumpkin Princess Carriage and the “new” 100-year-old hay wagon.
Bonfire & S’mores are scheduled for Saturday, October 14 beginning at sundown. S’mores, chips, and drinks will be available for purchase. Bring chairs or a blanket to sit on and leave alcoholic beverages at home.
Flanigan’s Dinner and Show of Illusion is on Saturday, October 21. Dinner seating times are 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and due to limited availability, seats are chosen at time of purchase. The Show of Illusion is scheduled in between from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. and ticket purchase covers dinner and show. Advance purchase price for adults is $12 (ages 13 and up) and $6 for children (ages 12 and under). Dinner and show tickets purchased at the door will cost $1 more: $13 per adult / $7 per child. For advance purchase of Dinner and Show tickets, visit the church office or call 305-821-7274. Tickets will be available at the Pumpkin Patch Sales Center. Be sure to bring advance purchase ticket to the dinner to avoid having to pay more at the door.
School Field Trips will be held every weekday morning running through Friday, October 27. The children will enjoy the brand new playground with tunnels and landings and obstacle course, along with jokes, songs, and science experiments. All activities are sure to entertain and educate children up through 4th grade. Cost is $8 per child and include all the interactive activities, songs, refreshments (cookies and lemonade or water), a little pumpkin for each child, a goodie bag which includes a coin for a free kids meal at any Flanigan's restaurant, and a group photo for the classroom. Call 305-821-7274 to schedule.
Professional photographers are welcome by appointment only. Call 305-821-7274 to purchase the necessary pass. Passes are $60 for a single day or $250 for the duration of the Pumpkin Patch. Appointments may be made for times when the Pumpkin Patch is closed to avoid the crowds and distractions.
Check the church website for additions or changes as they may occur at www.hopemlumc.com.