Particle.news
Download on the App Store

New Jersey Pumpkin Patch Urges Visitors to Stop Sitting on and Smashing Pumpkins

The family-run farm says damaged pumpkins are unsellable, often ending up as animal feed.

Overview

  • The latest request comes after the farm documented widespread damage from photo poses and from children tossing or smashing pumpkins.
  • Owner Tim Von Thun says most guests are respectful, but a small minority is causing disproportionate harm in the fields.
  • Once a pumpkin cracks or loses its stem, it cannot be sold and is typically diverted to feed farm animals.
  • With pumpkins priced roughly $3 to $20 each, the farm links the damage to direct losses for the business.
  • Von Thun’s operates in South Brunswick and Washington, New Jersey, remains open for fall activities, and directs visitors to apple and corn blasters, animal areas, and a corn maze instead of damaging produce.