What started out as a family competition for the Paul Bell family over ten years ago, has turned into an annual community fundraiser for Boissevain-Morton.
Paul gave each of his children giant pumpkin seeds one Christmas and the competition began. The one who could grow the largest pumpkin received a monetary 'reward'.
And then tragedy struck the town of Boissevain in 2016 when a young man was paralyzed shortly after graduation, and the pumpkin patch became a community fundraiser.
Since then, Paul Bell has been growing thousands of pumpkins and through collecting donations, he gives back to his community by supporting local charities.
Pumpkin Patch Tradition Continues with Community Pick Day and Charitable Giving
The local pumpkin patch is once again bringing the community together through its annual Pick Day—a tradition that turns harvest into a shared experience and a chance to give back. Paul lets folks know when it's time to trim the vine through his Facebook page.
“It's just too much for one person,” shares Paul Bell. “So, we’ve made it a community event. People come out, pick what they want, and leave the rest for others who may not be able to pick themselves.”
With warm weather returning conditions are looking ideal for a successful harvest. The patch spans across three or four separate areas, totaling roughly 1.5 to 2 acres.
A Tradition of Giving
Each year, the pumpkin patch serves as a fundraiser, with donations collected from those who take home pumpkins. Over the past decade, the initiative has supported various local causes—from helping that young man who was paralyzed, to contributing to community projects including the Boissevain Playground project and Christmas Cheer. In all, Paul's Pumpkins have raised and donated just under $20,000 to their community.
Previous Donations:
- 2024 - $2815.70 Westman Animal Rescue
- 2023 - $3958.40 Boissevain School Playground
- 2022 - $4757.85 Boissevain Christmas Cheer
- 2021 - $3430.90 Boissevain Christmas Cheer
- 2020 - $2670.10 Russell Glover/Christmas Cheer
- 2019 - $245 Westman Animal Rescue
- 2018 – $779.25 Boissevain Jaws of Life
- 2017 – $275 Boissevain Arts Council
- 2016 - $800 Hunter Ferguson
While the original farm has since changed ownership, the tradition continues with Paul's help, who is working alongside the new owners to keep the charitable spirit alive.
“We haven’t picked a charity yet this year,” he says. “But we’ll decide together. It’s always been about helping where help is needed.”
How to Donate
Donations are accepted during Pick Day and afterward, with all proceeds going toward a chosen local cause. The community is encouraged to participate, whether by picking pumpkins or contributing to the fundraiser.
“It’s amazing what a simple pumpkin patch can do,” adds Paul Bell. “It brings people together and makes a real difference.”
"And again, it's by donation and folks can give whatever they can, and it goes back into the community. We've never put a price on anything. If you want to give a dollar, it's a dollar. If you want to give $10, it's entirely up to you and each charity benefits from it."
For more information on Paul's Pumpkins and pumpkin picking date, follow Paul on Facebook HERE!
(Photo credit Paul's Pumpkins Facebook page)
