Mandy and Eden Godwin
Mandy McGraw Godwin and her husband Pastor Eric Godwin of Shannon Oaks Church are natives of Sulphur Springs. As a church activity, they decided to plan a “Pumpkin Patch” for area families to enjoy, and it soon became a community-size idea! Mandy had noticed that not only her own but other families were traveling at least an hour’s distance from Sulphur Springs for this type of seasonal entertainment for their children, and might be something needed locally. Through October, the Pumpkin Patch is a themed area of the Shannon Oaks church grounds filled with activities for children and for kids and parents to enjoy together. The pumpkins…a few thousand of them…arrived by semi truck in about 35 large bins. In a large open space behind the church, volunteers have set up the Hay Slide and Hay Bale maze and areas for the Pumpkin Launch and Pumpkin Bowling. Several people at once can get into a life-size Hamster Wheel, and if you like Paint Ball, you can enjoy that too. For a slower pace, there will also be Hayrides and Story Time. In all, there will be a dozen different fun and safe activities with plenty of supervision. All the activities can be enjoyed for a single fee of $5 per person. Children under age 2 are admitted free.
The Pumpkin Patch opens Saturday September 30 and will be open each Friday and Saturday in October. You can also reserve the Pumpkin Patch for a group. Pumpkins of all sizes and colors as well as gourds and squash will be for sale. You can purchase them with or without the $5 admission fee to the pumpkin park. Choose from mini-size pumpkins all the way up to 100-pound “Big Mac” pumpkins. A small concession stand with drinks and snacks will be open. See photos and find out more about the SOC Pumpkin Patch on Facebook, and about the church and it’s family services at shannonoakschurch.com
