EAST MOLINE, Ill. — The pumpkin picking season is supposed to be winding down as we approach Halloween. That's not stopping Shady Knoll Farm from finishing their 40th season on a high note.
Shady Knoll Farm has been in the Dennhardt family for six generations. Gene Dennhardt is the fifth in his family to run the land and one of the masterminds behind their fan-favorite pumpkin patch. Gene and his wife, Beri, launched Shady Knoll's first pumpkin patch in 1985.
The family is engrained in the community with Dennhardt roots running all the way back to 1863. They're thrilled to see so many people visiting the locally-ran farm that they're allowing guests to enter for free.
"We talk to everyone that comes in," Gene said. "They're talking straight to the owner [at the checkout.] There's no middleman. They can see that we really do love what we do."
For the Averys, visiting the pumpkin patch is a family tradition. Jese and Carolina have been bringing their little man, Leo, to Shady Knoll since he was a toddler.
"We've been coming here for about five years, and we love it," Jese expressed. "Ever since he was [one], he's loved it. It's always a good experience."
The Dennhardt's will put a bow on their 40th season come Halloween. You'd think that means it's time to kick their feet up and celebrate another successful year in the books, but the family is already figuring out what to add next year.
"I'm already preparing for next year," proclaimed Gene. "I'm already looking into the catalogs and seeing any new pumpkin varieties. We plant over 80 to 90 different varieties of different pumpkins, gourds and squash here."
Shady Knoll's season opened on Oct. 14 and the final day is Oct. 31. Hours are 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Halloween.