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Issue 1465 April 22, 2012
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Pumpkins of all shapes and sizes are available to choose from.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Johnson Giant Pumpkin Farm - Traditional Family Fun

17 years of putting smiles on children's faces

October 10, 2014       Leave a Comment
By: John Keuvelaar

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As autumn ascends upon us, we think of colored leaves, cool crisp nights and many other holiday traditions. For those of us living in the Saginaw Bay region, it also means that magical trip to the Johnson Giant Pumpkin Farm where the pumpkins grow big and the smell of fresh made doughnuts fills the air. Whether it is grade school children enjoying a field trip or families venturing to the farm for the afternoon to pick out the perfect pumpkin, there is always excitement in the air.

Gerald Johnson, owner of the farm located at 4715 N Portsmouth Rd. between Bay City and Saginaw, has been growing pumpkins for 29 years. It was some 17 years ago that he got the idea of not just selling his pumpkins but putting a few farm animals out for the kids to see and enjoy. He also thought it would be fun to create a corn maze and thus a family tradition was born.


Nothing like a trip to the pumpkin farm for a large pumpkin, hot chocolate and a ride in a wagon.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)


"I enjoy seeing the faces of the children," said Gerald Johnson with a big smile. "I really like seeing the second and third generations come out to the farm and enjoy the entertainment."


Young parents taking photos of their little one's first time at Johnson's Giant Pumpkin Farm.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

It was hard to know whether it was the view of all the people taking in the many attractions he has at the farm or was it the memory of moments ago launching a 100 plus pound pumpkin down the field and having it splat some 500 yards down the way. Then watch as dozens of kids and their parents run down to see the pumpkin mash left behind.

As for entertainment, well there is plenty for everyone to take in. Each year Gerald has added to the farm. Staying with the farm theme, he has a few farm animals like goats, chickens and alpacas to name a few.


Children fill the seats for the farm train.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)


Tommy Anderson, the Magician, mystifies and jokes with the kids watching the show while the parents watch on. (MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)


The kids giggle with excitement as the train starts to move.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

But this is only the tip of this pumpkin patch. This year on the weekends there is a blacksmith that you can have him make items as you watch him heat up the coals and hammer out his wears. There is also a rope maker, music and a magic show.

If it's crafts you enjoy, there are plenty to view and buy as 75 local crafters display their wares throughout the area but manly in the concession building. And speaking of concessions, there are plenty of lunch and snacking fare to satisfy you but oh, how you can't help but go for the fresh made doughnuts prepared in front of you as the air is filled with their delicious smells.

And you want pumpkins, well there are plenty to pick from. They offer all sizes and shapes including wagons full of brightly colored and differently shaped gourds to choose from.


Elsa and Anna both working together moving a giant pumpkin.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

There are also unique characters to view made of straw that adorn the property for kids to see and have mom and dad take their picture in front of. While there are some tradition characters, this year there is a scene with characters from Frozen as they handle a pumpkin. "We used to have Shrek for a few years. But we recycled him and now he is Winnie the Pooh." noted Gerald. I kind of all the characters, I liked the Minions and Gru from the movie Despicable Me.


Looks like Gru and the Minions came to Johnson's Farm.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Kids love to see Clifford, the Big Red Dog.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

With all the great things to see and do, I think I enjoyed what was the last pumpkin chuck of the evening. Judging by the crowd that assembled, this is a fan favorite of all ages too. Built 9 years ago, Gerald has a pumpkin launcher that he affectionately calls Therapy One and who wouldn't feel stress release when you see a 100 plus pound orange pumpkin hurled high and long through the air only to "splat" on the ground.

Judging by the way all the kids took off to see the remains, these folks sure did. "We are going to be throwing some more pumpkins in the afternoon hours over the next two weekends," announced Gerald. "So you won't want to miss that. "


Catapult "Therapy 1" prepares to fire off a 100+ pound pumpkin.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

The pumpkin soars through the air then lands with a big "splat" much to the delight of the crowd.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

The pumpkin farm is open every day through October 31 from 9am to 7pm with all exhibits open on the weekends. For more information, you can go to their web site at Johnson's Giant Pumpkins LLC. This is truly a family fun tradition you will thoroughly enjoy.


Horses are one of the several animal attractions at Johnson's Pumpkin Farm. These horses the kids can ride. (MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)


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John Keuvelaar

John Keuvelaar is a college student at Midwest Photography Workshops and Delta College.

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