By Jennnifer Jahn
NKyTribune staff writer
For many Northern Kentucky families, the arrival of cooler temperatures, colorful leaves and pumpkin spice also signals another annual tradition: a trip to Country Pumpkins in Dry Ridge.
The family-owned farm has grown from a roadside pumpkin stand into one of the region’s most popular fall destinations, welcoming thousands of visitors each year for hayrides, corn mazes, pumpkin picking and hands-on farm experiences. Today, Country Pumpkins is operated by Dean and Debbie Colson, their son Matthew, and his wife, Shelley, who continue building on the family farm’s tradition of welcoming visitors each fall.
While longtime guests will find all of their favorite attractions returning this fall, visitors can also expect a few new additions.
“They can expect all their favorites like u-pick pumpkins, hayrides, a petting zoo, barrel train rides, corn mazes, play areas and more,” said Shelley Colson. “This year we did a USA 250 design in our corn maze complete with a fun patriotic-themed game inside.”
The farm is also growing its own chrysanthemums for the first time, with approximately 400 mums expected to be available beginning in mid-September.
Country Pumpkins began in 2000 as little more than pumpkins sold beside the road using an honesty box. Less than a decade later, it had expanded into a full-scale fall festival and destination for school tours and family outings.
“Every year we improve and add new attractions,” Colson said.
Unlike many seasonal attractions, Country Pumpkins remains a working farm. Set on 250 acres, the property includes dairy cattle, beef cattle, hay fields and pumpkin production, giving visitors an authentic glimpse into everyday farm life.
That connection to agriculture extends beyond entertainment. Throughout the fall, thousands of students visit through school field trips and homeschool days that combine outdoor fun with agricultural education.
Educational tours include cow milking demonstrations and lessons about dairy farming, helping children understand where milk comes from and what cows eat.
“The kids are always amazed to see where milk comes from,” Colson said.
Families visiting for the first time are encouraged to purchase a Fun Pass to experience everything the farm has to offer. One attraction Colson recommends is the Paintball Shooting Gallery, introduced last season.
“It is safe and fun for all ages,” she said.
She also suggests making time to visit the sunflower and zinnia fields, where guests can enjoy free u-pick blooms with admission to the corn maze or Fun Pass.
Of course, many of the farm’s longtime favorites continue to draw visitors back year after year.
The petting zoo remains one of the most popular attractions, while nearly every guest takes a hayride across the farm. Country Pumpkins’ u-pick pumpkin fields also offer an experience that has become increasingly rare.
“Our u-pick pumpkins are a very unique and popular activity as not many farms let you pick pumpkins right from the field they are grown in,” Colson said.
No visit would be complete without sampling one of the farm’s signature frozen treats. The Harvest Caramel Apple Slushie and Oakley’s Fish Pond Slushie have become customer favorites for years.
Although the festival opens each fall, planning is a year-round effort.
“We start planning for the next fall in November,” Colson said with a laugh.
The family spends the winter evaluating the previous season, brainstorming improvements and visiting other farms for inspiration before planting pumpkins in June. By August, attention shifts to setting up attractions while simultaneously managing marketing, website updates, event scheduling and educational tours.
For families hoping to avoid the largest crowds, Colson recommends visiting on Friday evenings instead of weekends. She also encourages guests to dress appropriately for a working farm, “Wear clothes and shoes that you can play in and not worry about ruining.”
More than anything, Colson hopes visitors leave with memories that last long after the pumpkins are carved.
She recently met a young woman selling a piece of furniture who became emotional after learning the Colsons owned Country Pumpkins.
“She almost teared up telling us how much she loves coming to our farm each year,” Colson recalled. “That was so special.”
It’s those moments, she says, that remind her why pumpkin patches continue to matter. “I still fondly look back on memories of visiting a pumpkin farm as a child, and that’s what we hope we can give our customers as well”
Country Pumpkins hopes to give the families of Northern Kentucky the same kind of fall memories and to be a place where they create traditions they’ll look forward to making again year after year.