Selling an average of $3000 of pumpkins a day, girls lacrosse is once again opening the pumpkin patch with games and activities for any visitors. In light of past years’ pumpkin patch closing early when the pumpkins ran out, the team planned ahead and ordered another pumpkin-filled truck Oct. 19. The community, as well as members of the lacrosse team, unloaded the truck, with almost 2,000 pumpkins distributed and restocked for the pumpkin patch.

The lacrosse team wanted to set up on Sept. 26; however, it was pushed back on account of Hurricane Ian. Due to the delay, the lacrosse team had difficulty managing their tight schedule. Instead of being able to set up one weekend and unload the next, they had to do both from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2. And the community was there to help.

On Friday Sept. 30, team mom Shannon Pomp asked if any students could help the team unload the trucks. Over 100 people helped unload 7,500 pumpkins in the span of two and a half hours. 

“The support from Hagerty and the Oviedo community as a whole has been simply amazing,” girls’ lacrosse coach Mitch Whittington said. “Every year we try to add to the experience and the community has shown a level of appreciation that we could have never anticipated.”

After the set up was done, the lacrosse team decided on how to organize the members in order to get the patch running. Each team member chose five shifts, but they were not alone. Teachers and other members of the community volunteered to take over shifts when needed, with teachers from Jackson Heights or Carillon Elementary volunteering to help girls with shifts during their away game Oct 16.

The girls lacrosse have used the annual pumpkin patch funding for various parts of their team including transportation, uniforms, meals and training equipment. Not only has this event proven beneficial for their team financially, but it has also brought the girls closer together.

“Over the years, we have made many games and photo set ups for our visitors to come and use when they go to the patch,” junior Ainsley Pomp said. “I think working on all these projects together improved the chemistry between my teammates.”

So far, the pumpkin patch has sold 6,000 pumpkins; the team hopes to reach 10,000 by the end of the month. They have different types of pumpkins ranging from carving, spooky, and heirloom pumpkins. Prices range from $1 up to $10 for small pumpkins, other pumpkin prices depend on size and type. These pumpkins are used for festive teaching, decorations for families’ homes and fun carving activities.

The pumpkin patch is open to anyone from Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Fridays from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.  This year, the patch consists of a 2,500 square foot spider web maze, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin tic tac toe, pumpkin chess and a measuring post where visitors can take pictures and show growth from year to year.

“My son loves the pumpkin patch and the maze. He does the maze everyday after school,” science teacher Channing Porter said.

The pumpkin patch is scheduled to close after Oct. 31. For more information on prices and activities visit their website that also includes further information for separate donations.