Shreveport Bossier’s Top Five Best Pumpkin Patches [Video]

When I was first asked to write a story on Shreveport Bossier's top five pumpkin patches I immediately thought of St. Lukes Annual Pumpkin Patch.

I have pictures of my own kids since they were old enough to crawl sitting on pumpkins at that patch, but little did I know that Pumpkin Patches are serious business in Louisiana.

Seriously, Pumpkin Patches even have an entire website devoted to them. Where they are, prettiest pumpkins, what to do with the pumpkins when you get them home, how to store them, carve 'em and cook 'em!

After much research I present Shreveport Bossier Top Five Pumpkin Patches:

1. St. Lukes- St. Luke's UMC has provided the community with the Pumpkin Patch since 1990.  They will open Sunday, October 2nd after they feed all their help and unload about 3,000 pumpkins by hand from the truck and will remain open till October 31st or until they sell out of Pumpkins.In the past twenty years, the Pumpkin Patch has donated about $170,000 to missions.  The Pumpkin Patch is a mission project for St Luke’s and 100% of the profit from the sale of pumpkins is given to local missions.  Last year we were able to donate $7,800 to local missions. Click here for more info!
2. Pumpkin Shine on Line- Ok, so technically this is not "real" pumpkin patch but this is a really cool activity for the entire family. Did you know that former Southfield Preschool teacher Claudia Lyles led a group of Southfield volunteers to start this great tradition in 1991? Southfield has hosted this event every year since! This year's Pumpkin Shine is Wednesday, October 26th  I looking forward to seeing the pumpkins again this year. All the pumpkins are so nice to see and to see all the creativity that the kids come up with. More Info Click here!
3. Corn Maze- Louisiana's original corn maze and pumpkin patch. Attractions include: cornmaze, pumpkin patch, haunted maze, haunted trails, pony rides, zipline, hayrides, barnswing, inflatables, corn bin, cow train and much more. It runs Saturday, September 24th - November 5th. Click here for more info.
4. October Pumpkin Patch Class- Again, not an actual pumpkin patch but this is a really cool activity to do for kids Kindergarten through 5th grade. The Noel Community Arts Program is an outreach of Noel Memorial United Methodist Church. NCAP is located at 520 Herndon Street in the Higland neighborhood of Shreveport, Louisiana.                            October Pumpkin Patch Art, Monday, Oct. 17th 4:15-5:15pm, $12/student
   Taught by Abrakadoodle, Kids K-5th grades Learn about biomorphic shapes and lots of fun texture tools as we create a beautiful pumpkin collage!  Click here to Register
5. Willow Point Pumpkin Patch- Your kids will love listening to great stories, decorating their pumpkins and be sure to bring a camera to take a picture under our big tent. Then head out to the park for a great picnic. Dates: October 17- 31 Monday – Saturday 9am -1pm and 4pm – 8pm. More Information Click here.

Choosing a pumpkin is easy!  First, do you want it for decoration or eating?

If you just want it for decoration to paint or carve, then just look for any pumpkin that looks good to you. A deep orange one with the shape that suits your needs.

For example, if you find one that grew on its side and has a flat spot, you can make that the back side or use it as part of your design. Try and find a pumpkin free from cuts, soft spots or bruises. The flesh should feel hard, and not give easily. Also be sure the stem is still attached.

Store it carefully, especially if you pick it from the vine yourself. Cure a fresh-picked pumpkin by keeping it in a dry place. Don't handle or disturb it. Curing toughens the rind, making it less prone to rot.  Pumpkins will keep for months in a cool (50 F to 65F dry, low humidity environment.

Tip: If you like roasted or baked pumpkin seeds, you can save the seeds from any pumpkin!

Now if you need tips on how to carve your pumpkin, may we suggest the Chainsaw Method:

If you are choosing a pumpkin to make a pumpkin pie:

Then you need a small, sweet type of pumpkin that has been developed for eating.  They are smaller, typically about 8" to 10" diameter.  The meat is much less stringy and smoother than a decorative pumpkin variety.

Usually you can get these at the grocery store, and some of the pumpkin patches and farm stands have them.  Be sure to tell them that you intend to use it for a pumpkin pie. Again, look for firm, no soft spots, or signs of any rot.

Pumpkin is rich in vitamin A and potassium. One-half cup of cooked pumpkin provides more than the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A. One cup of cooked pumpkin contains only 81 calories. It's low in fat and sodium.

Varieties of Pumpkins

Sugar - Excellent for baking

Jack O'Lantern - most common for carving

White Lumina - unusual, medium-sized white pumpkin

Mini - Great for decoration

Gourds - Many varieties, used for decorations