The first day of the autumn season is less than a week away, but local resident Chad Pill, owner of Pappy Jack’s Pumpkin Patch, is not going to wait for that “official” day to open the gates. Pappy Jack’s will begin greeting visitors this Saturday, September 19!
The name ‘Pappy Jack’s Pumpkin Patch’ is a tribute to his late maternal grandfather, Jack Cunningham, and it is located on Cunningham Run Road just outside of Shinnston where Jack and his wife Naomi lived all of their years together. The picturesque country setting there provides the realistic down-to-earth “farm charm” that makes it the perfect site for having some seasonal harvest fun!
Pappy Jack’s Pumpkin Patch enjoyed a successful year when it initially opened in September of 2025, but Chad and his partner Jennifer had been brainstorming this idea since 2020. The property offered more than ample acreage for growing pumpkins; however, the couple spent five years exploring possibilities, discussing ideas, gathering information, and learning the ins and outs of producing a bountiful harvest. Finally, in April of 2025, the plows were put to work.
“We were hoping that first year would bring 1,500 people to visit throughout the season,” Chad stated, “and when 400 showed up on opening day, we thought we could reasonably achieve that number. As you can imagine, we were overwhelmed and felt so very blessed when our end-of-season count showed that we had welcomed 5,500 people to the Pumpkin Patch!”
With last year’s heat and lack of rain, the pumpkin crop unfortunately failed, and after working so hard in hot weather, they had to purchase pumpkins. This year is a completely different story! An acre of pumpkin seeds was planted, and despite high temperatures again this year, Mother Nature sent plenty of rain – enough that they have harvested 8,000 gorgeous pumpkins! So if you’re looking for pumpkins to festively decorate your patio, porch or doorstep this fall, there will be plenty to choose from.
While all of last season’s activities will again be available, Chad has added a few new ones as well. Visitors can enjoy hayrides, stables with miniature donkeys and various ‘guest’ animals, a playground area with swings and slides, pumpkin painting, a corn pit, various food as well as arts & crafts vendors, a fire pit for roasting s’mores, and this year an added climbing wall.
Although Chad and his team of helpers have been working until dark for weeks, his wheels are still turning, and he has ideas for more future improvements.
“Several people have suggested having a corn maze so that may be offered next season,” Chad added. “While music is always playing during our open hours, I’m giving some thought to at least occasionally having some live music on site too.
“The climbing walls are a new feature this year, and we have also erected a Welcome Center (under roof) for those who need to escape the heat and sit and relax for a while. Vendors with varying concession items (sandwiches, desserts, cotton candy, etc.) will be housed there each week.
“We have also built a pavilion where children can go to paint smaller pumpkins and these will be available to purchase at a reasonable price. The painting stations will be supervised and all painting supplies will be furnished free of charge.”
Pill noted that his main goal has always been to bring something unique to the area … something that would offer a family-friendly atmosphere … something with a choice of diverse fun-filled activities … and somewhere that adults as well as children could enjoy a day together.
Chad concluded by offering his sincere appreciation to the many folks who visited Pappy Jack’s last year and who expressed a desire to make it an annual family day.
“So many of my family members have pitched in and helped out in so many ways; I couldn’t have managed without them,” he stated. “Jennifer has suffered the heat and worked by my side until dark so many evenings. And then there are my parents … My mom Alice is at the farm a lot working, and at times when I get frustrated and have little patience, she never fails to speak encouraging words and lift me up; and my dad Roger can build just about anything and has offered so much of his time and talents with construction improvement projects here. I want to say publicly that I am so fortunate to have such a wonderful family support group and I thank them all!”
Pappy Jack’s will be open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout the season. Hours on Saturday and Sunday will be from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.
On Fridays, the Pumpkin Patch will open later in the afternoon (exact time not yet determined) but also closing at 7 p.m. Admission fee is $10 per person.
Parking is free and plentiful so don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a special autumn day at Pappy Jack’s! The Pumpkin Patch will officially close on October 31.
In addition to regular weekend visits, the Pumpkin Patch has accommodated special events on weekdays (Monday-Thursday) for hosting birthday parties, school field trips, and scouting outings. Please make arrangements in advance.
