October 2024
Susan Sink, owner of Sinkland Farms, stands at one of the many displays on the farm, which was selected by USA Today as the third-best pumpkin patch in the United States. (Photo by Jane Graham)
by Jane W. Graham
RIVER, Va. — A joyous atmosphere surrounds Sinkland Farms here after national recognition as one of the best pumpkin patches in the country.
“Sinkland Farms has won 3rd Best Pumpkin Patch in the nation and 6th Best Corn Maze in the nation by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards,” is an announcement that has the owners and her employees grinning.
Farm owner Susan Sink said her farm is the only Virginia farm, listed in the 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. She talked while walking around the area, pointing out attractions, supervising workers preparing for the festival opening and rushing back inside the Event Barn to welcome a community group holding a meeting there.
“Sinkland Farms proudly ranks 3rd in the nation for the best pumpkin patch, reflecting our long-standing tradition and commitment to quality over 33 years,” she said. “Our diverse activities, educational programs, and beautiful farm setting create an exceptional visitor experience, making us a top destination for families.
“We have visitors from almost every state in the mid-Atlantic and from the eastern seaboard. Families will visit Sinkland Farms annually and stay to see the fabulous fall foliage, visit our area’s prestigious universities, and experience hiking, biking, boating and breweries.”
“With acres of vibrant pumpkins, gourds, squash, and sunflowers, Sinkland Farms is the ultimate destination to kick off the season in style,” the paper reported. “The Award-Winning Farm & Festival, Sinkland Farms has garnered numerous accolades, including being voted the Best Pumpkin Patch in Virginia and the Best Farm to Visit.”
The first-place winner in both the pumpkin and corn maze categories is Treworgy Family Orchards of Levant, Maine and the second is Sivens Trail Farms of Snohomis, Wash. Cherry Crest Adventure Farm of Ranks, Pa., is second place in the corn maze category and Hubbs Farm in Clinton, North Carolina is third.
The Sinkland Farms Pumpkin Festival spans six weekends, from Sept. 27 running until Nov. 3. A big event happens Oct. 5 and 6, when Team Carbo, the world champion trebuchet team from Raleigh, will attempt to beat their record of hurling pumpkins into the sky.
“As we embrace the fall season, Sinkland Farms features festive painted straw bales, our own farm Virginia is for Lovers LOVE sign, creating great photo opportunities against the stunning backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains,” Sink said. “Special guest appearances, like Olympic gold medalist Cole Hocker, Ben Thomas, the current track and field head coach of Virginia Tech offer unique experiences for our visitors.”
Other attractions will be Virginia Tech singing groups roving and performing on the grounds. Hokie Spirit Day brings the Marching Highty-Tighty Corp of Cadet Band, Hokie Bird and cheerleaders to the farm.
“Our commitment to agricultural education is evident through our unique farm trivia signage,” Sink said, “We love to include demonstrations, like blacksmithing and sheep shearing, and our farm animal barn. This season we will host book readings and author signings, pumpkin carving, and Disney Princess appearances sharing princess stories.”
She pointed to activities for kids as well. These include an active zone with a zip line, giant jump pad, slides, swings, toddler bounce houses, and a new favorite — the Sinkland pebble pit. Face painting, live scarecrows and a fun caricaturist are coming this year.“The pig races are a crowd favorite, adding excitement and laughter for all ages,” she said. “They race several times each Saturday and Sunday.”
New this year is and Art in the Barn activity, which features Virginia artists showing and selling special creations for home and office.
As Halloween approaches, dog costume contests and both children’s and adult costume parades with prizes, including ribbons and cash are on the calendar.
This article appeared in The Delmarva Farmer, an agricultural newspaper for the mid-Atlantic region.
