The Pumpkin Church: Celebrating 30 Years of Community and Charity in Cape Girardeau

This October marks a significant milestone for Cape Girardeau’s beloved “Pumpkin Church,” as it celebrates 30 years of hosting its cherished community pumpkin patch. This annual event is more than just a festive fall tradition; it’s a cultural and charitable hub that unites the community.

Operated by dedicated church members and local scout groups, the pumpkin patch serves as a beacon of goodwill. Proceeds from pumpkin sales benefit local organizations and scouting units, fostering a spirit of communal support and outreach.

“All of the labor is provided by the Native Americans on that reservation. It’s kind of the first mission really,”
Tamara Smee, the pumpkin patch coordinator.

The pumpkins, sourced from a Navajo reservation in Farmington, New Mexico, play a crucial role in supporting the reservation’s economy, highlighting the broader mission of outreach that this event encapsulates. “All of the labor is provided by the Native Americans on that reservation. It’s kind of the first mission really,” says Tamara Smee, the pumpkin patch coordinator.

“So the first picture I can remember of us coming here is I was pregnant with my oldest son who is 5 1⁄2, so, 2018. Yes, 2018 was the first time we came here, yeah. And this has kind of become an every year thing at this point.”
-Monica Radu

Smee speaks to the cultural significance of the “Pumpkin Church.” She notes, “When you’re giving directions, you say, it’s right down the street from the Pumpkin Church.” This quote underscores the church’s role as a local landmark.

Beyond pumpkins, the patch boasts a variety of gourds, including swan gourds with their distinctive necks, and winged gourds perfect for decoration. The tiny pumpkins given to daycare kids last long, delighting both children and parents alike. As Smee notes, “These are just great for decorating because they just last and last and last.”

Some visitors seek out pie pumpkins, ready for transformation into delicious autumn treats. Smee herself is a fan: “I love pumpkin. I love pumpkin spice. I actually do cut the pumpkin and cook it to have fresh pumpkin to make pumpkin pie and pumpkin bread. So, I’d have to say team pumpkin.”

The patch also benefits from the efforts of local students. “The middle school and the junior high will have groups that come over. We had one today, and Tuesday they come every year. The pumpkins need to be turned and rolled around a little bit to keep from sitting on one spot for such a long time. There was a class that came and did that today,” Smee explains.

The history of the event is rich, spanning nearly three decades and supported by Pumpkin Patch USA, which organizes pumpkin patches across the country. Smee shares, “I don’t know who started it, but it’s always been a completely church-run organization and the profits from it go to different organizations in the community and then of course just back some to our church also.”

With each pumpkin sold and each joyful moment captured, the “Pumpkin Church” continues to make an indelible impact on its community, proving that its traditions are as enduring as the season itself. ????????