Texarkana, Texas – This week the Williams Memorial United Methodist Church celebrated a quarter‑century of its cherished pumpkin patch. Despite a brief weather delay, pumpkins shipped from New Mexico arrived on Monday, ready to line the front lawn for the season.

Volunteer Spirit and Community Participation

More than 160 volunteers—students from local schools, Texas A&M‑Texarkana, and Texarkana College—helped unload and arrange the orange bounty. Their effort underscores the church’s role as a gathering place for families and neighbors who return year after year.

Events on the Horizon

Beyond strolling among the pumpkins, the church has scheduled three special events:

• Storytime in the Patch – Next Sunday, families can enjoy readings amid the pumpkins.
• Pumpkin Palooza – On October 18, a community celebration will feature games, food, and activities for all ages.
• Movies in the Patch – October 25 brings a family‑friendly film screening under the autumn sky.

“We sell the pumpkins by size, and when you come in, we’ll measure it and give you a price for that particular pumpkin,” said Pumpkin Patch Committee member Vickie Seams. “What’s free is taking pictures, enjoying the patch, just walking through; we have families that come year after year and line them up on the counter to see how they’ve grown, which is a lot of fun. We even had a proposal last year right here in the patch.”

Supporting the Church’s Mission

All proceeds from pumpkin sales go directly to the Williams United Methodist Church, bolstering its children’s and youth ministries as well as the day school. The patch will remain open daily through October 31, with hours from noon to dusk Monday‑Friday and 9 a.m. to dusk on Saturdays.

Faith‑Centered Family Fun

The event reflects the church’s commitment to fostering a safe, family‑oriented environment where faith and community intersect. By providing a wholesome autumn tradition, the church offers parents a wholesome alternative to commercialized holiday activities, reinforcing the values of togetherness and gratitude.

Residents are encouraged to visit, purchase a pumpkin, and enjoy the simple pleasures of fall while supporting a cause that strengthens the spiritual and educational life of Texarkana’s youth.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.