By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

GRAMERCY — With hay rides, a nature trail, a haunted house, a country store and plenty of pumpkins to choose from, the sixth annual Pumpkin Patch at the St. James Parish Welcome Center has plenty of fall fun for all age ranges and interests.

The Lutcher/Gramercy Lions Club presents the Pumpkin Patch each year, with all proceeds benefitting local schools and the community.

Admission to the patch — located at the corner of Highway 641 and Airline Highway in Gramercy — is free, as is the hay ride, haunted house and nature trail. Pumpkin prices vary with the size of the pumpkin, starting at 50 cents.

Located in the patch’s country store are locally made jams and jellies, as well as coloring books and produce for sale.

“The pumpkin patch creates excitement for the whole community every year,” St. James Parish President Timmy Roussel said. “Throughout the month of October, the Lions Club schedules fun events that families and children of all ages can share together. My grandchildren look forward to coming to the different events … (and) sharing in the fun as they grow up is priceless.

“I am glad our children and grandchildren have a safe environment to celebrate Halloween.”

Pete Matherne, known as “Pumpkin Patch Pete” in St. James Parish, is the chairman of this year’s patch. He said several charities and local schools will benefit from this year’s proceeds, and field trip opportunities to the patch are available for local schools.

Matherne said a petting zoo will be set up at the patch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, and the fifth annual Party with the Pumpkins event is slated from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

At Party with the Pumpkins, local businesses set up displays throughout the Welcome Center and distribute candy and other goodies to visiting children, who are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes and bring a trick-or-treat bag. Concessions, benefitting 4H Junior Leaders, are sold at the event.

Event parking for Party with the Pumpkins is only available at Golden Grove Truck Stop and Taylor’s Express on Highway 3125. Shuttle service to the Welcome Center will be provided.

To get your business or organization involved with Party with the Pumpkins, call 225-562-2320.

Another event linked to the patch is a 5k run/walk scheduled for Oct. 26. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Louisiana Lions League for Crippled Children and the St. James Parish Law Enforcement Torch Run for Louisiana Special Olympics. Matherne said participants will cross the Veterans Memorial Bridge during the race, which begins at 9 a.m.

For more information on the run/walk, visit stjamesla.com/events or call Shane Duhe at 225-241-8357.

The Pumpkin Patch will be open through Oct. 31. For more information about the patch or to schedule a field trip, call Matherne at 225-869-3896 or Neal Poche at 225-869-8681.