It's Pumpkins in the Prairie

Several weeks ago, Jeff Peach, owner of B to Z Hardware in Blooming Prairie, was asked by a newspaper reporter as to what he planned to do with two open lots in downtown BP.
Peach purchased two open lots on Main Street, lots becoming vacant due to a fire destroying two business locations, The Bakery and Sportstitch.
Peach's reply was one of noncommittal. "I've just heard rumors," he continued.
A few weeks later, Peach heard about son Daniel's plans to plant a punkin' patch on the two open lots. The idea was supported by B to Z Hardware. Dan is a full-time police officer for Blooming Prairie.
His idea of having fun with a pumpkin patch took legs with help from family and friend.
A Grand Opening was held last Saturday.
The special pumpkin patch is filled with hay bales in social distancing measure and with many fall-like themes. Lots of games are also available for the kiddos.
The two vacant lots were filled with over 1,000 pumpkins when the fall spectacle opened. Lots of different shaped gourds will also be featured at the pumpkin patch.
Dan is especially proud of his sign welcoming people to Pumpkin Land. Sandy Jones did the art work on the sign.
Todd Johnson of Owatonna is a volunteer who has helped Dan bring his idea to fruition. "Something like this brings people together," Johnson said. "In a small town, you can do something like this," he added.
Dan has also been helped by his girlfriend, Shelby White and her parents, Chad and Stacy White. Others who helped include Dan's parents Jeff and Sheri, Nola Shanty and Jon Esplan.
Dan picked up many of his props from Tweites Pumpkin Farm in Byron. The pumpkin farm closed after last season.
Lots of games are featured on the premises: Checkers, Connect 4, triangle obstacle course, Tic tac toe, Gnome ring toss, Big Foot run, five bean bag games and a Bounce house.
Dan has also made some benches and some other spots for photo opportunities. A wooden jeep and a wooden tractor are also there for the kids to enjoy.
Students from the Blooming Prairie Elementary School have been invited to visit the pumpkin patch. Pumpkins in the Prairie will be open until Oct. 31, Peach says.
He plans to have the pumpkin patch open the same hours as B to Z Hardware: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Some Sunday hours may also be planned.
"We have tried to create a festive atmosphere and want to promote the new attraction as a happy place," said Dan Peach.
"I agree that this is a great use of the open lots at this time," said Jeff Peach. "I like to go big with projects and have fun at the same time,” he said.
"Yeah, it's a way to make the downtown beautiful," Dan says.