You’re invited to the Motherhouse Pumpkin Patch!

Is pumpkin bowling your game? Or is pumpkin tic-tac-toe more your style?

Perhaps you leave game-playing to others and would just enjoy a hay ride around the Nazareth Motherhouse grounds in Concordia?

For any of those, and more, come to the first-ever Motherhouse Pumpkin Patch on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17 and 18, and Saturday, Oct. 31. The patch will be open each day from 1 to 5 p.m.

The entrance is the new east gate (between the Motherhouse and the Concordia Community Garden), and admission is $3 per person, with kids 2 and younger free.

The event has been organized by Holly Brown, the Sisters of St. Joseph development director, with assistance from Motherhouse gardener Lyle Pounds, Sister Cese Green and staff members Greg Gallagher, Jane Wahlmeier, Keith Sells and Curtis Mansfield.

“We want families to come and have fun, and maybe really see the Motherhouse and the grounds for the first time,” Brown said. “There will be lots to do each afternoon.”

In addition to the games and hay rides, there will also be a “corn box,” pumpkin-themed take-your-own-photo stands, pumpkin painting, other games and activities and a small concession stand.

The event will also be a chance to meet some of the Sisters of St. Joseph, who will be helping out as volunteers, Brown said. All proceeds from the event benefit the Sisters of St. Joseph and their ministries.