Fall is just around the corner and Miami Lakes residents are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Pumpkin Patch located at Miami Lakes United Methodist Church, 14800 N.W. 67 Avenue on the corner of Miami Lakes Drive and Ludlum Road. Two and a half truckloads of pumpkins are coming this year. A truckload contains over 2000 pumpkins and weighs over 43,000 pounds! The patch is open every day.
Pumpkins, Pumpkins, Pumpkins!: One truckload comes on Wednesday, October 5, one on Friday, October 14 and another half load comes Friday, October 21. Arrivals are planned for 4 p.m. but the time may vary depending upon the driver or circumstances since they are arriving from New Mexico. Students in need of volunteer hours may 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.
Bonfire & S’mores are scheduled for Saturday, October 15 beginning at sundown. S’mores, hamburgers, hotdogs, chips and drinks will be available for purchase. Bring chairs or a blanket to sit on, but leave the alcoholic beverages at home.
Flanigan’s Dinner and Show of Illusion is on Saturday, October 22. Because this event is so popular there are two scheduled dinner seatings, one before and one after the show. 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 p.m. - 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 + show tickets purchased at the door will cost $1 more: $13 per adult / $7 per child. For advance purchase of Dinner + 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 beginning Thursday, October 6 and running through Wednesday, October 26. The children will enjoy the brand new playground with tunnels and landings and awesome 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.
Photo opportunities abound at the Pumpkin Patch. There is no admission charge (except on October 29) but donations are encouraged and needed to help maintain the Patch.
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.
Outdoor Movie Nights will be on Fridays – October 7, 14, and 21 at 7 p.m. The movies are free. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase.
Craft Show will be held Saturday, October 29 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. About 40 participating crafters are expected so come early and do holiday gift shopping before the crowds get wild at the popular Fall Festival starting at noon. Crafters interested in participating may download the application at www.miamilakesumc.net.
Fall Festival will be held Saturday, October 29. Beginning at 10 a.m. there will be the Craft Show and face painting, inflatables from noon to 7 p.m., and pony rides and a petting zoo from 1 to 6 p.m. Admission to the Pumpkin Patch will be $2 per person on October 29. Admission to the festival and Craft Show is free. Tickets will need to be purchased for the activities. Food and soft drinks will be available for purchase.
Festival Parking – The Town of Miami Lakes has graciously offered its parking lot at 6601 Main Street, Miami Lakes for overflow parking. If no parking is available on church grounds, go north on N.W. 67 Avenue to Main Street and turn right. It’s a short walk to the Festival. The Crexent Center across the street from the church has also offered its parking lot for overflow parking. Be considerate and safe and do not park on neighbor’s lawns or jump the curb on N.W. 67 Avenue.
Year-Round Kidz Rock - On Wednesdays, the Kidz Rock children’s program runs from 7 to 8 p.m. There is a Bible science exploration station alongside crafts, team building games, and snacks. This program is for children from Kindergarten through 5th grade and is free of charge.
Check the church website for additions or changes as they may occur at www.hopemlumc.com.