YMCA Executive Director Jim Kirtley takes a break before unloading a second truck filled with pallets of pumpkins on Thursday.
The annual Palisades-Malibu YMCA pumpkin patch will open Saturday, October 1, and run through October 30-31 or until they pumpkins are sold. All proceeds benefit the local Y, a nonprofit organization.
As always, there will be a wide selection of pumpkins to choose from at Simon Meadow, corner of Sunset Boulevard and Temescal Canyon Road. Free parking is available.
Two semi-trucks filled delivered about 100 pallets of pumpkins to the YMCA Pumpkin Patch in Simon Meadow around noon on September 29. One truck diver said he had pulled into Manteca, a city in the Central Valley, located about 76 miles east of San Francisco on Wednesday evening at 6:30. “It took forever to load the 47 pallets on the truck,” the driver said. He left Manteca around 10:30 p.m. and drove for awhile before he took a break, completing the trip this morning.
YMCA Executive Director Jim Kirtley was on the site with a group of volunteers ready to unload the pumpkins as they arrived, so that the patch would be ready for the opening on Saturday at 9 a.m.
Two loaded trucks of pumpkins were placed in the YMCA pumpkin patch.
State Senator Ben Allen will be at Simon Meadow at noon to perform the ceremonial first jack-o-lantern carving – kicking off the autumn/Halloween season.
Allen is the chair of the Senate Environmental Quality Committee and co-chair of the Environmental Caucus. The Senator has called on the Governor to support a circular economy with a reformed recycling system and making our transportation sector greener with proposed investments in zero-emissions vehicles.
Resilient Palisades, the local environmental group, will also be at the opening to show residents how to compost pumpkins.
CTN recommends baking them after they’ve outlived their “scariness” and use that baked pumpkin for soup, breads, pies and even as an addition to the dog’s dish.
In addition to supporting the Y by buying a pumpkin, the annual pumpkin glass sales will take place on Sunday, October 9. Designed by artisans from the Santa Monica College Art Department, there will be one-of-a-kind glass jewelry, vases and art. Proceeds will benefit the SMC Art Department, the YMCA and local artists.
While at the patch, took a stroll on the newly installed “Pali Path,” a quarter of a mile walking path which stretches along the hillside. Fitness stations will be added eventually to the path, so that those who are strolling can also add strength training to the walk.
Additionally, Winding Way, a trail created by Cindy Simon and Tracey Price, will have a new art installation this year, with the focus on upscaled art.
If you can’t make the ceremonial opening tomorrow, the patch will be open Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
While at the pumpkin patch, walk the trail, “Pali Path” that is next to the hill.