Jason Laubacher stands next to a few of the hundreds of pumpkins and mums his family will see this fall at Jason’s Pumpkin Patch. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

Jason Laubacher was just ten years old way back in 2001 when the youngster asked his mom if he could sell pumpkins from the corner of her garage. Today, Jason’s Pumpkin Patch in rural Oak Harbor has become a fully stocked fall produce and décor shop that offers fun activities for the whole family.

“We sold cornstalks, Indian corn, straw bales, gourds and pumpkins in the corner of the garage. He did pretty good that first year,” said his mom, Sandy Laubacher. “Every year since then, it’s grown a little bigger. He took over half the garage, then the whole garage, then the whole yard, and then we started adding buildings.”

Three-year-old Jason “Luke” Laubacher lands in corn at the bottom of the slide inside Kid Zone. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

Jason’s Pumpkin Patch is now a family affair at 12629 W. Salem Carroll Rd. in Oak Harbor. The unique “pumpkin patch” that is run by Jason, his parents and his wife, Kayla Laubacher, with help from their children, six-year-old Hayden and three-year-old Jason “Luke” Laubacher.

Although they are young, Hayden and Luke have chores at the farm, including bottle feeding the calf every night.

Jason “Luke” Laubacher drives a peddle go-cart across the track at Jason’s Pumpkin Patch. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

Jason’s Pumpkin Patch is now open seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., through Oct. 31. Every day, customers can enjoy a corn maze, peddle go-carts and a Kid Zone that includes slides, tractors and more. On Saturdays and Sundays, the farm offers hay rides, pony cart rides and its food stand sells lunch, donuts and cider slushies.

Kids Day this fall will be held on Saturday, Sept. 23 and will include kids crafts with the purchase of a Kids Zone pass. A chicken scramble will be held at 2 p.m.

“The kids enjoy that a lot,” Sandy said.

Six-year-old Hayden Laubacher helps care for the animals in the petting zoo. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

The annual Fall Fest featuring craft and food vendors will be held on Saturday, Sept. 30. Jason’s Pumpkin Patch will set up its Christmas Shop during the first two weekends at Gideon Owen Wine Company’s Holiday Market beginning on Nov. 24.

For more information on Jason’s Pumpkin Patch call 419-898-3215 or visit www.jasonspumpkinpatch.com.

In addition to pumpkins, gourds, cornstalks and other produce, Jason’s Pumpkin Patch features a fall décor shop, a Christmas décor shop and a petting zoo with a variety of animals, including pigs and goats.