Published: September 30, 2009 02:41 pm      

The Great Pumpkin

Hamilton County residents flock to two local patches

There may be no greater testament to the importance of Halloween and the fall season to Hamilton County families than the October statistics of two local farms.

Spencer Farm and Russell Farms, both located near Noblesville, each estimate astounding business figures for the month. Kyle Spencer says he typically sells between 2,000 and 3,000 pumpkins each October; Laura Russell sees around 1,500 visitors each weekend day in the month, in addition to about 500 visitors each weekday from school field trips and group outings.

But it’s not just luck bringing the multitudes to the two locales; it’s a combination of experience and offering more than just your standard jack-o-lantern.

Kyle Spencer opened the (barn) doors to his farm just after college, in partnership with his wife, Lori.

“Farming was what I’d always really wanted to do,” Spencer said. “We had a neighbor who believed in me and rented me some ground.”

And the rest, as they say, is history. After 27 years in business, Spencer Farm is still going strong. This year, it offers hay rides through the woods, hand-dipped ice cream, caramel apples, fresh-baked pies, and more in addition to pumpkins.

Russell Farms is the younger of the two sites, starting its pumpkin-growing just eight years ago – but its offerings are perhaps some of the most extensive around, and one of the best deals. For just $5, patch-goers can enjoy a small scavenger hunt, two corn mazes with prizes, miniature golf, peddle horse carts, peddle cars for older kids and adults, a petting zoo, hayrides, and live music starting Oct. 10.

Larger groups can make reservations for a special outing at Russell Farms, featuring long hayrides, a private bonfire, and a nighttime journey through the farm’s larger corn maze.

Despite the large draw of past years, Russell says that, like her pumpkin crop, the customer-growth process never stops.

“We are hoping that all of the families that have experienced Russell Farms in the past years are telling at least one person what a wonderful experience they had here, to increase our numbers this year,” she said.

That experience has earned Russell Farms attention outside county lines; it was recently named one of the top nine festivals in the state by Indianapolis Monthly magazine.

The farms thrive on affordability, too. At Spencer, no pumpkin costs more than $20, no matter the size.

“[A pumpkin] could be a couple hundred pounds,” Spencer said. “We have a ceiling on how much we charge.”

And this year, Spencer and Russell say, huge pumpkins are certainly a possibility. Neither farm’s crop was affected by adverse weather this summer.

“We have been pretty lucky with our crops this year,” Russell said. “A few strong storms, including hail, went around us this summer, which of course is a farmer's nightmare.”

A family’s nightmare, however, could be a pumpkin that spoils before the end of the month. Russell advises pumpkin-pickers to select pumpkins that have no holes or dents, as these can rot quicker than other pumpkins. Spencer, however, thinks choosing the perfect gourd may just be in the eye of the beholder.

“Whatever (someone’s) creative imagination desires is a good pumpkin,” he said.

Two perfect patches

Spencer Farm

7177 East 161st St., Noblesville

317-776-1560

Russell Farms

12290 E. 191st St., Noblesville

317-773-9078