Bradford Research and Extension Center provides free pumpkins to Columbia community
by Abby Grimmett, posted Oct. 30, 2007
The Bradford Research and MU Extension Center has pumpkins available to the community free of charge. The farm, which has many events throughout the year promoting agriculture, is having the pumpkin patch for the third year in a row.
Tim Reinbott, superintendent of Bradford Research and MU Extension Center, decided to cultivate the plans three years ago because as a child he remembered having the opportunity to pick pumpkins.
“It’s mostly for the kids,” Reinbott said. “We really want to focus on those who maybe wouldn’t get a pumpkin, like underprivileged kids.”
Reinbott said many groups from local schools, daycares, churches and scouts have come out to the farm to take a walk through the corn maze and pick out their own pumpkins from the patch.
“When you have a wagon load of kids and they see the pumpkin patch and run out to the patch as soon as they can, that’s pretty rewarding,” Reinbott said.
On Friday, Oct. 19, about 175 Girl Scouts came out to the farm.
“It makes for a great time, and we try to make it educational for the students and community,” Reinbott said.
The kids aren’t the only ones having fun out in the pumpkin patch. Thresa Chism, senior secretary for Bradford Research and Extension Center, said many people from different departments on campus have been out to pick pumpkins to decorate their offices.
There are still many pumpkins available. Contact Tim Reinbott by phone at 573-884-7945 and come to the farm anytime to pick a pumpkin.
Driving Directions to Bradford Research and Extension Center:
