By ELAINA GONZALEZ/Opinion Editor
Blueberry Ridge Farm in Mineola offers an array of fall attractions, including a thriving pumpkin patch. Open from Oct. 1 to Nov. 5, the farm has several games and activities for all ages.
Blueberry Ridge Farm in Mineola is a local farm owned by retired schoolteacher Jill Graves. Having raised her own children on the land, Graves finds high value in family time spent outdoors. After teaching for thirty years, she decided to open the pumpkin patch in October 2021 to promote outdoor fun for kids.
“I wanted to help the kids learn how to have fun outside,” Graves said. “We just wanted to be a nice family event that takes you to the country to enjoy the outdoors God created.”
To meet this goal, the pumpkin patch offers festivities such as a hayride. In the field, there are also games set up such as, among many others, Dress the Scarecrow, Ring Toss or a lengthy obstacle course.
Last but not least, there is a home-grown pumpkin patch in which guests can pick and buy pumpkins at the end of their visit.
“We actually grow the pumpkins so you can clip them off the vine,” Graves explained.
Graves said that her favorite part of these farm festivities is “being able to share it with everybody.”
As such, Blueberry Ridge Farm in Mineola is beginning to host more events and contemplate opportunities for new seasonal attractions.
In June and July, the farm offers blueberry picking in which guests can take home an entire gallon of ripe blueberries. There are also events such as jam and jelly-making classes, which take place throughout the year.
“We’re just trying to evolve a little bit at a time, trying to add new things,” Graves said.
For more information about events, activities and hours, visit the Blueberry Ridge Farm website or contact Graves at .
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