It hasn't felt much like autumn but pumpkins are a sign of the season.
And there are plenty at pleasant valley farm near Sand Springs.
Pumpkins and winter squash and gourds piled high, scattered about.
And even though it's a lot of work, Randy Owens wouldn't have it any other way.
During the week, Randy drives a UPS truck in Mannford, Terlton and Cleveland.
But he's always had a passion for the land.
So in 2000, he jumped in and started planting Christmas trees in his spare time.
He began selling them four years later when they about four feet tall.
"The first year I think I sold 35 trees, and I was ecstatic," Owens said. "And now we're doing a couple thousand."
Then, as a way to extend the season, and because he fell in love with their color and variety and history, he added pumpkins and winter squash to the mix.
"I started growing these and that was kind of the niche with the pumpkins that set me apart is I had a lot more varieties, and just different shapes and good to eat, some not so good," Owens said.
As the farm has grown over the years, Randy and his family make sure to add new attractions every year, realizing a trip to the country becomes a family tradition.
He snagged the train from the old Celebration Station.
There are scenes set up for those scrapbook photos of the kids to chart how they grow from one autumn to the next.
He says all of this is his passion and despite what Mother Nature has thrown at him over the years.
She also graces us with the beautiful bounty of the season of harvest.
And in doing, has given Randy a place to plant his heart.
"This is where my heart is, don't have very many more years at the big brown truck, so I'll be here every day," Owens said.
Pleasant Valley Farm has a Facebook page and a website.
On October 13th and 14th, Owens will have vendors and craftspeople and food at his annual Winter Squash and Pumpkin Festival.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Download our free app for Apple and Android and Kindle devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
