Big Mac's Pumpkin Patch

Big Mac's Pumpkin Patch, located about twenty-three miles north of Ekalaka and 5 miles west of Willard, is open for fun and adventure for the 2020 season and the pumpkins are growing!

In its second year of existence, the pumpkin patch is much more than pumpkins. The biggest addition is a giant bale maze, complete with misdirections, twists, turns and spooky decor.

Co-sponsors of the community event, making this possible and helping with things needed to hold this kind of event are the Bank of Baker, Insurance Store and B & B Septic.

"Without this sponsorship it would be difficult to continue to operate, and we really appreciate the help," said Laurie MacKay, manager and owner of the patch.

Big Mac's Pumpkin Patch will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. each weekend through November 1, with one special night time event scheduled for Friday, Oct. 30 from 5-8 p.m. All of the scheduled hours are subject to change pending weather conditions and COVID-19 restrictions. All who plan on attending should check for cancellations on the Big Mac's Pumpkin Patch Facebook page. Additionally, masks are encouraged when social distancing is not possible.

This year MacKay will be booking private parties for birthdays or groups as well. Call 406-778-2337 for details and to reserve a spot.

Scheduled special events each weekend are as follows:

• Oct 10 & 11 - (Sunday) Pumpkin Painting Contest and Face Painting, 1-4 p.m.

• Oct 17 & 18 - Family Day, Bring Grandparents for Free, 1-4 p.m.

• Oct 24 & 25 - (Sunday) Pumpkin Carving Contest, 1-4 p.m.

• Oct 30 - Special Friday Night Scare Event, 5-8 p.m.

• Oct 31 & Nov 1 - Dress Up and Trick or Treat, 1-4 p.m.

Big Mac's has also invited local photographers for fall family photo opportunities.

A small retail store will provide attendees with the opportunity to sample traditional pumpkin and fall snacks as well as a few retail items.

"Last year was definitely a learning experience and weather was definitely a challenge," said MacKay. "We have changed from a cover charge and then buying tickets once inside the patch for various activities to almost all inclusive, with the exception of snacks."

It will be less confusing and more convenient for those attending, she explained. In fact, the following activities are included: Bale maze, hayride, straw castle, saw dust pit, corn hole, football toss, ball races, pumpkin slingshot, dice games, giant chair and scarecrow, reading nook, scarecrow photo board, corn diggers and much, much more. The cover charge is $12 per person or $50 per car load, which includes one pumpkin and all the activities. Season tickets are $25 per person. Children two and under get in free.

Big Mac's Pumpkin Patch is filling a niche for fun fall and family activities in the area, located between Baker and Ekalaka, at the Donald and Laurie MacKay Ranch, 316 Scorio Butte Rd. Road signs will be posted.