In case you need a little gourd news, the annual “Pumpkin Patch” is back at Hampstead United Methodist Church (HUMC), located at 15395 US-17 beside the Dunkin Donuts in Hampstead. Festivities will kick off with a “Pumpkin Toss” on Saturday, October 2nd from 9am – noon, volunteers in the community are needed, assembly-line style, to help unload the semi-truck that holds thousands of pumpkins. The Pumpkin Patch will be open through October 31, welcoming patrons Monday thru Saturday, 10 to 7pm, and Sunday, 11am to 7pm. The Pumpkin Patch is set up on HUMC’s large front lawn, under the beautiful live Southern Oak trees that form a canopy over the patch. Lights in the trees and fun things for kids to do ensure a magical Fall adventure for all. There are plenty of places for selfies and photo ops for the entire family, not to mention picnic tables to socialize and enjoy the atmosphere. The pumpkins are harvested directly from the fields of the Navajo Nation in New Mexico, which helps with their 48% unemployment rate. All the net proceeds from the Pumpkin Patch sale goes to the youth group at HUMC and other charities. COVID considerations: note that masks are welcome, though optional, and social distancing is encouraged. Civility is the only requirement!