6 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY OCTOBER 12-18, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com 831 If you’ve driven along Highway 68 in Salinas recently, you’ve likely noticed a smattering of orange mixed in with the familiar green fields that line both sides of the highway. It happens every fall in the Salinas Valley, as local farmers parcel off their land in homage to the season’s most popular commodity, the pumpkin. But the humble origins of the pumpkin patch are a far cry from what’s going on at The Patch at 10 River Road in Salinas. The Patch, in its third year of operations, is as much an amusement park as it is a pumpkin patch, which is exactly how Frank Devine envisioned it. “Coming out of Covid-19, we just wanted to create something that would promote community involvement,” Devine says. “After talking with a couple other like minded people, we decided that a pumpkin patch would be a good place to start.” In the spring of 2021, Devine struck a lease agreement with Triangle Farms on a prime location at the intersection of Highway 68 and River Road and began operations as Triple F Farms. Devine, who is a father of two, says that the name referenced both of his children (Francis and Fynlee), but also his goal for the new business. “Friends, family and fun,” Devine says. “That’s really what we’re all about here. We want this to be a place where friends and family gather, have fun, and celebrate the fall season.” What started out as little more than “a bunch of pumpkins and a few bales of hay” has blossomed into five acres of fun and includes everything from a bounce house to a corn maze. This year they added a tractor-pulled train ride for kids, along with plenty of games and grass to play on. “I want it to be more than just a place to buy pumpkins,” Devine says. “I want this to be a place where the community gathers. A safe place for parents to bring their kids and have some fun—and maybe buy a few pumpkins.” Devine, who owns a transportation company called Fresh From D’Vine, receives roughly three truck-loads of pumpkins per week from a plot in Greenfield. The growing operation of more than 30 different varieties of pumpkins is overseen by Devine’s partner, John Given. Once delivered, the pumpkins— ranging vastly in size, shape, and color—are sorted and carefully placed throughout The Patch, allowing wagon-toting pumpkin seekers to shop. And with the addition of food vendors like Double D’z Birrieria and Wings Uncommon, you won’t have to shop for pumpkins on an empty stomach. The addition of food vendors helped draw people, and encouraged them to stay. Snacks and drinks are available for sale daily, and food vendors are onsite Wednesday-Sunday, along with picnic tables. “That’s really enhanced the overall experience for our customers,” Devine notes. “It’s a great place to spend some time.” Improvements at The Patch have been well-received thus far, as traffic on River Road tends to pick up during business hours. “Weekends have been fantastic,” Devine observes. So far this season, The Patch has hosted school field trips, birthday parties, and even a wedding proposal or two. But it’s the photo ops that have become really popular, says Devine. “The sunflower orchards are a real popular place for the Instagrammers,” says Devine. “Along with the chair, of course.” “The chair” is a 16-foot-high Adirondack chair that oversees The Patch. Built by local carpenter John Laughton, the giant chair can be seen from the highway, and is another popular feature at The Patch. With several weeks left before Halloween, Devine is hopeful that more and more local families will to come out to The Patch. There is no shortage of activities for the kids, and plenty of places for parents to relax. “It’s really cool to see how far we’ve come in three years,” Devine says. “I’m hopeful that we can continue to build our presence in the community and continue to do this every year.” The Patch is at 10 River Road, Salinas. 512-6327, thepatchat10riverroad.com. Pumpkin Patchwork A seasonal operation on River Road has grown quickly into five acres of fall-inspired fun. By Jeff Mendelsohn Frank Devine holds one of the reasons for the season. But what began as a simple spot to sell pumpkins is now a kind of autumnal amusement park, with a corn maze, food trucks and other distractions. “It’s cool to see how far we’ve come in three years.” TALES FROM THE AREA CODE DANIEL DREIFUSS The Chamber Connects At the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, we are connectors, providing our members with valuable introductions to new customers and referral sources. If you're looking for a platform to initiate important conversations and grow your business, we invite you to join our business association on the Monterey Peninsula! Join Today! • montereychamber.com • info@montereychamber.com • 831.648.5350
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