Alex Pearson peers over the rows of cornstalks, bean pods, and pumpkin plants with nostalgia and promise. The land once farmed by two generations before him now grows and nurtures his family’s newest and future venture: Pearson’s Pumpkin Place.
The Pearson family, which includes his parents, Jerry and Joel Pearson, as well as his wife and two young daughters, envisions an experience at Pearson’s Pumpkin Place that everyone can enjoy without the hassle of long lines and high prices.
“We really cater to younger families with kids from 2-12 years old, but we welcome everyone who wants to enjoy a traditional fall experience,” said Alex Pearson, who has always had an entrepreneurial spirit, starting with selling keychains as an 8-year-old to mowing lawns as a teenager to owning his own landscape business before starting Pearson’s Pumpkin Place in 2022.
“We’re not trying to be Vala’s—they are the gold-standard when it comes to fall entertainment. We are creating a new, more intimate experience for individuals and families. The ideal situation is that we’re around for decades to come so that today’s kids can enjoy and continue to build family traditions for years to come.”
Pearson got the idea for a pumpkin place from his mom, Jerry, who he said has always been entrepreneurial in her thinking and actions. He started with a beta test in 2021 to verify that he could grow pumpkins, and when that proved fruitful, he started building his vision for the rest of the pumpkin place.
“I knew if I couldn’t successfully grow pumpkins, I’d never be able to open a pumpkin patch,” he said. “Once I achieved success here, I was confident this dream could become a reality, and Pearson’s Pumpkin Place was born.” Having an October birthday, Pearson celebrated most of his childhood birthdays at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch & Orchard, so he amplified those experiences, combined with spending time at the family farm as inspiration for this burgeoning venture. But Pearson’s is far more than just pumpkins. Its main attractions include:
• Hayrack Rides
• Jumping Pillow and Sand Mountain
• Hay Fort and Corn Box
• Stationary Paintball
• Kiddie Kart Rides and Hamster Wheels
• Tire Playground and Climbing Bales
• Weekend Magic Shows
• Golden Pumpkin Hunt
• Obstacle Course Races
• Free Face Painting
• Fishing Pond
Additionally, Pumpkin Spice Fest—an annual festival—will be held Saturday, October 18th. This all-day event features a vendor market, pumpkin treat and drink contests, live music, magic shows, and specialty fall cocktails.
Pearson’s also knows how to feed a fall craving. From fresh apple cider slushies to turkey burnt end mac n’ cheese, and handcrafted popcorn by Pearson, called “Always Be Poppin’—and pumpkin-spiced everything, the patch offers a taste of fall that feels straight from grandma’s kitchen. Food is served at Gwen’s Goodies and Rockin’ Ruby’s (named for his daughters Gwen and Ruby), the two main food hubs on the farm.
“We don’t offer all of the trappings of bigger patches, so we want to focus on making each person’s experience special and personal while they are here with us,” Pearson said. “Two ways to deliver on that is to make sure our food is exceptional and to staff with the right people who believe in our mission. Our mission is simple, to provide experiences and memories in nature that build family traditions.” For more information, visit www.pearsonspumpkinplace.com.
