Edgar County, Ill. —
A late frost and long drought might have roasted the area’s corn crop, but pumpkins seem to be in strong supply.
The color orange filled the farmgrounds between West Terre Haute and Paris, Ill., Sunday afternoon, as hundreds of visitors bounced about Pumpkin Works. Inside the Old Farm House Shop, fudge and ice cream were on sale as parents scheduled hay rides with Paul and Sherry Staley.
Sherry said the 20th season of Pumpkin Works seems to be off to a good start despite the summer’s drought. Open daily through Oct. 31, the 260-acre property features mazes in the barns as well as corn fields.
“The corn field is pretty disastrous,” she said laughing, observing the summer’s crippling months without rain kept the stalks from reaching a normal height of 12 feet. “But people are still enjoying it.”
More than 30,000 visitors annually trek through the property on which Paul was raised, walking wood trails and buying pumpkins and gourds. This year, Paul said the 33 acres devoted to pumpkins have done exceedingly well.
“It’s pretty good. It’s as good if not better,” he said of the crop. “They’re turning ripe just as fast as we’re selling them.”
Negligible rain fell between May and July. Paul said he normally plants pumpkins in the middle of June, but this year put them in the sun-baked ground July 3. The pumpkins were 54 days old before a substantive rain came, he chuckled.
But the rain did come — just in time. A normal harvest would yield about 1,000 pumpkins to the acre, about 10 pounds each. This year, Paul said, many of the pumpkins will be closer to 20 pounds.
Trudy Arrasmith served ice cream and drinks at one of the outside vending tents. An elementary school nurse during the week, she comes out on the weekends to help the Staleys.
“The woods. The nature. The kids,” she said, explaining her happiness at the farm. “When the kids see Nurse Trudy out here, they’re surprised.”
The farm is a family-friendly affair, as it was from the start. Paul said his father bought the ground in 1936 and used it to raise hogs. His cousin now owns the original Staley homeplace just down the road, and while the hogs have been long gone, the sense of family still remains.
Pixie Ullrich, Paul’s sister, returned to the homeplace from Colorado this weekend to help out.
“I have fun,” she said, remarking at how the farm has changed since she was a girl. “It’s been a work in progress for the last 20 years.”
Recalling how their father, then in his 90s, used to ride his lawnmower over to help with the festivities, she said it’s been a family project from the first.
“Oh, my dad loved the Pumpkin Works,” she smiled.
Brian Boyce can be reached at 812-231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.
About Pumpkin Works
Address: 21788 E. Terre Haute Road., Paris, Ill.
Phone: 217-275-3327
Online: www.pumpkinworks.com
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. (Central Time)
Costs: www.pumpkinworks.com/prices.html
Driving: www.pumpkinworks.com/directions.html
Top Story 2
Related Photos
-
Just fine: Paul Staley of Pumpkin Works in Edgar County, Ill., shows off one of his gourds. The farm raises some 50 varieties of pumpkins on about 33 acres. This year's drought and high temps had little effect on his crop. (Tribune-Star/Jim Avelis)
-
A miniature pumpkin ripens on the vine at Pumpkin Works near Paris, Ill. (Tribune-Star/Jim Avelis)
Discussion
Getting worked up over pumpkins
Illinois patch finding strong crop despite drought, heat of summer
- Top Story 2
-
-
Reputed Mafioso tip triggers new Hoffa body search
OAKLAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. — The FBI saw enough merit in a reputed Mafia captain’s tip to once again break out the digging equipment to search for the remains of former Teamsters union leader Jimmy Hoffa, last seen alive before a lunch meeting with two mobsters nearly 40 years ago.
-
Court lets walk-out fines against House Democrats stand
INDIANAPOLIS — House Democrats who had to pay more than $100,000 in fines after they walked out of the Indiana Statehouse won’t get the help they sought from the Indiana Supreme Court.
-
Husband charged in Archer homicide
Terre Haute Police have found local reports of domestic violence between a Terre Haute man and his wife, whose body was discovered wrapped in a tarp and dumped in an Ohio ditch.
-
BREAKING: Arrest made in Archer homicide
A Terre Haute man has been arrested and charged with felony murder and altering the scene of a death in the homicide of his wife, Kayla Herchelroath Archer.
-
No ID yet on body found in Rosedale home
Sheriff Mike Eslinger said his department is waiting to obtain an immediate family’s confirmation of a woman found dead in a home in the 2900 block of West Rosehill Lane.
-
Police investigating Rosedale homicide
Parke County authorities are investigating a homicide at Rosedale.
Sheriff Mike Eslinger confirmed Friday afternoon that police had been called to a home in the 2900 block of West Rosehill Lane on a report of a dead person. -
Homicide suspect’s father: ‘I am so sorry’
The father of a Jasonville man charged with murder broke down in tears following his son’s appearance in Greene Superior Court on Friday morning.
-
BREAKING: Suspects in death of Linton teen arraigned in court
A week after Katelyn Wolfe went missing in Linton, the men accused of killing her appeared in court.
-
Katelyn Wolfe homicide: Affidavit alleges men’s scheme
Two friends from childhood allegedly had devised a plan over the course of about a week to rape and kill someone — without having a particular target — before causing Linton teenager Katelyn Wolfe’s death last week, according to court documents released Thursday.
-
End of an era: WTHI-TV anchor Allen has come long way since debut in 1967
Reflecting on his career at WTHI-TV, Jim Swander pokes fun at retiring news anchor Mark Allen saying, “He has made millions by reading a teleprompter at a sixth-grade level.”
-
Police: Suspects posted on Linton teen's Facebook page 'to cover their tracks'
Two childhood friends, over the course of about a week, allegedly devised a plan to rape and kill someone prior to the killing of Linton teenager Katelyn Wolfe, according to court documents released today.
-
UPDATE: Suspect in late-night standoff arrested, to appear in court
A Terre Haute man wanted for a late Wednesday standoff with police has been arrested and is due to appear in court this morning.
-
UPDATE: Semi overturns at Lyford; Mecca man airlifted to Indy hospital
A Parke County man was airlifted to Methodist Hospital this afternoon after he crashed his semitrailer on U.S. 41 just north of Lyford.
-
UPDATE: Missing Terre Haute woman found
A Terre Haute woman who was reported missing earlier today by the Greene County Sheriff’s Department has been found.
-
Analysts: Midwest drivers to see lower gas prices
LANSING, Mich. — The worst may be over for drivers in the upper Midwest who have been grappling with the highest gasoline prices in the continental U.S.
-
Unusually massive line of storms aim at Midwest
WASHINGTON — A gigantic line of powerful thunderstorms could affect one in five Americans on Wednesday as it rumbles from Iowa to Maryland packing hail, lightning and tree-toppling winds.
-
Coroner: Linton teen victim of homicide
Linton teenager Katelyn Wolfe died of asphyxiation in a “manner that is ruled a homicide” Linton Police Chief Troy Jerrell said Tuesday night after an autopsy was performed earlier in the day at Terre Haute Regional Hospital by forensic pathologist Dr. Roland Kohr.
-
Apple revamps look of iPhone, iPad software
SAN FRANCISCO — Apple is throwing out most of the real-world graphical cues from its iPhone and iPad software, like the casino-green "felt" of its Game Center app, in what it calls the biggest update since the iPhone's launch in 2007.
-
10 Things to Know for Tuesday
Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today across the nation:
-
VIDEO: Apple unveils new MacBook Air with improved battery life
At Apple's WWDC, the company shows off its new line of MacBook Air laptops with faster processors and improved battery life. The new models are available in 11-inch and 13-inch dimensions, ranging in price from $999 to $1,299.
-
Fair Association highlights attractions
In less than a month, the Wabash Valley Fairgrounds will be awash in 4-H projects, carnival rides, cotton candy and entertainment as the 2013 Vigo County Fair runs July 7 to 13.
-
How will you spend your time this summer? Check out 'BASH for ideas
Art, music, reading -- What's your summer escape?
-
I-70 accident snarls traffic for hours
An accident involving a semi-trailer containing hazardous materials shut down eastbound Interstate 70 in Vigo County from near the Illinois state line to Indiana 46 for about six hours Thursday.
-
Deacon Jones of famed Fearsome Foursome dead at 74
David “Deacon” Jones, the original sackmaster, has died.
The Hall of Fame defensive end, credited with coining the word “sack” for how he knocked down quarterbacks, was 74. -
Dugger couple claims big Hoosier Lottery prize
Linda and Joe Mentillo of Dugger have claimed a big Hoosier Lottery prize.
The 67-year-old Linda bought a winning $5 Cash For Life scratch-off ticket on Saturday at the Pimento Sunoco gasoline station. -
Got plans this weekend? Check out the Trib-Star's 'BASH section
Brazil Band to kick off outdoor concert season; Banks of the Wabash Festival continues; Bluegrass In The Park; Exhibit features interpretations of historic, natural aspects of the Wabash River and more!
-
UPDATE: West Terre Haute man killed in two-vehicle crash
Police have identified the people involved in this morning’s fatal crash of two vehicles west of West Terre Haute on National Avenue (formerly U.S. 40) at Darwin Road.
-
Police: Mom, son conspire to kill witness
The Clay County Sheriff’s Department seems to have prevented what it believes was a mother-and-son conspiracy to commit murder.
-
Terre Haute student passes Round 3 in Scripps National Spelling Bee
Kimmie Collins, a Woodrow Wilson Middle School student competing in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, made it through Round 3 of the competition this afternoon.
-
Pacers looking for ways to even series with Heat
Pacers coach Frank Vogel walked into Monday's practice with a simple message for players as they adapt to Miami's new wrinkle — using LeBron James in the post.
- More Top Story 2 Headlines
-
Tiger on Sergio: 'It's Time to Move On'
Hoffa Mystery Still Fascinates After 4 Decades
Raw: NASCAR Driver Jason Leffler Dies in Wreck
Ex-NFL Star Chad Johnson Out of Jail
RAW: NSA Director Says 50 Plots Foiled
3 Charged in Ohio With Enslaving Mom, Daughter
Raw: Huge Fire Near Yosemite National Park
Rain Damages Brazil Soccer Stadium
Raw: Marines Land Osprey on Japanese Ship
Raw: Volcano Erupts Near Mexico City
Raw: 1 Dead in Shooting at Mo. Apartment Complex
Pa. Girl Who Took on Donor Rules Gets Lungs
Raw: Obama Arrives in Berlin
Failed Cuba-to-Florida Swimmer Won't Try Again
Obama Seeks G-8 Support on Syria
Prosecutors Push for Smartphone "Kill Switch"
Raw: 100K Protesters Flood Brazilian Streets
Google Launches Internet-beaming Balloons
Falling Cable Hurts 10 NASCAR Fans
NYC 911 Call Lasts for 8 Hours
Spurs' Popovich has no problem with Spurs' intensity
Inside Kim Kardashian's Premature Labor
Three Charged for Enslaving Mother and Daughter
Paige Butcher Scorches on Hawaii Beach
Video: worst way to load cargo onto a plane
Never-before-seen footage of '08 Times Square bomber
Obama: NSA Secret Data Gathering 'Transparent'
WATCH IT: Lil Wayne tramples American flag
Mariah Carey Looks Beautiful in a Tiny Cut-Out Swimsuit
Out of Control Boat Throws Passengers Overboard
See Lindsay Lohan in Rehab
Sofia Vergara Posts Perky Backside Pic in Thong
Gaga Ditches Her Crazy Couture
Caught on Tape: Teacher Accused of Beating Autistic Child
"Stay Classy" Campaign Aims to Curb Binge Drinking
Sesame Street Tackling Tough Topic Parents in Jail
Miss Utah Fumbles Interview Question
Deranged man claims Newark-bound flight was poisoned
