Big Mac's Pumpkin Patch

A dream has come true and brought with it excitement just past the northern edge of Carter County. Many communities have embraced the fall season with pumpkin patches over the years, but people living in the southeast corner of Montana have traditionally had to travel to enjoy activities associated with pumpkin patches.

This year, starting on Saturday, September 28 and continuing each Saturday and Sunday through October 27, Big Mac's Pumpkin Patch will be open just 23 miles north of Ekalaka and 5 miles west of Willard.

After retiring from Mid-Rivers Communications, Laurie MacKay got busy planning her longtime dream of opening a pumpkin patch. Pumpkins were planted. Brainstorming and building fun activities began. MacKay's garden started growing slowly due to cooler, wet weather. Though the fruits are struggling to get past the blooming stage, there will still be some jack-o'-lanterns for purchase.

In addition to finding the perfect pumpkin, those who travel to the patch will have over twenty other activities to enjoy while they visit. Some of these include a sawdust pit, corn hole, hayride, football toss, mouse races and much, much more.

The main attraction at the patch will be a huge straw castle built from large round bales. The castle features a slide, ladders and tunnels. Visitors can also enjoy reading a book to Big Mac on the oversized Adirondack chair or using it for a great photo opportunity.

Big Mac's has invited Kelly Bruski to set up photography for fall family pictures at the patch and Kiplee Castleberry will be bringing her specialty coffee trailer loaded with all kinds of flavors, including appropriate seasonal favorite, pumpkin spice.

A small retail store will provide patrons with the opportunity to take more than just a pumpkin home.

A cover charge of $5 per person or $20 per car load will be due upon arrival to the patch. There will be a small charge for a few of the games, but many are free. The patch will be open from 2 to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, pending weather conditions. Check Big Mac's Patch on Facebook for details.

Bring the entire family to Big Mac's Pumpkin Patch at the Donald and Laurie MacKay Ranch, 316 Scorio Butte Rd., Baker, this fall. Directions will be marked with easy-to-follow pumpkins.