Every fall, thousands of pumpkins arrive at First United Methodist Church of Oak Lawn, transforming its lawn into a sea of orange and earning the church a familiar nickname among its neighbors: the Pumpkin Church.
Marty Linderborg, of Palos Park, the church’s lay leader and organizer of the annual pumpkin patch, said the nickname has become part of the church’s identity in the community.
“People around here know us as the Pumpkin Church,” Linderborg said. “Every year it’s another chance to connect with the community.”
That connection was on display Saturday, Oct. 10, when a semi-truck carrying about 5,000 pumpkins pulled into the church parking lot at 10000 Central Ave. The delivery, weighing approximately 45,000 pounds, marked the start of the church’s 25th annual pumpkin patch.
Students from Richards High School’s Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps were on hand to help unload the massive shipment. Working together in a bucket brigade, the students passed and rolled pumpkins off the truck and across the lawn, turning the church grounds into a fall destination for families across the Southland.
It was a big job, but the students worked together to get the pumpkins unloaded and ready for visitors.
“The Richards students are wonderful,” Linderborg said. “It’s so great to have their help.”
The annual delivery has become a tradition for the cadets, too. Beyond the physical work, the experience gives students a chance to practice teamwork, serve their community and take pride in helping bring a popular fall attraction to life.
The effort pays off as families arrive to browse the pumpkins, find decorations for their homes and enjoy a seasonal outing close to home.
Oak Lawn resident Jason Koller and his family stopped by the pumpkin patch Monday, Oct. 12, continuing a tradition they have enjoyed for the past five years.
“We have been coming here for five years now,” Koller said. “We love it because it’s local, and it’s important for us as a family to give back to local organizations within the community.”
The pumpkin patch offers hundreds of pumpkins and gourds in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Visitors also can enjoy family activities, including tractor rides, a scavenger hunt, fall photo opportunities and scarecrow building.
New this year, the Pumpkin Patch Cafe offers food and treats for purchase on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. The costume tent also returns, giving children a chance to try on Halloween outfits and pose for pictures among the pumpkins and fall decorations.
The patch is open through Oct. 31, with hours from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday.
Additional events include a craft fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, and parking lot sales from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 24 and Oct. 31.
Money raised through the pumpkin patch supports the church’s community outreach programs, including food justice initiatives, hunger relief, addiction support and Christian education. The church also offers programs that bring together people of all ages and abilities.
After 25 years, the Pumpkin Church remains a familiar part of the fall season in Oak Lawn, thanks to the volunteers who unload the pumpkins, the families who return each year and the community that continues to support the tradition.
