Adele's Cat Pumpkin Patch Adele’s Cat Pumpkin Patch in Jefferson originated from siblings having a vision of turning an old farmstead into a local pumpkin patch for the community and surrounding area to enjoy.
“Our goal was to be family friendly at a low cost,” said co-owner Kathy Geary . “A place where you can come relish in the fall weather, let the kids enjoy themselves, and parents can relax as well.” Local lore says the land situated between the Big Sioux River and the Missouri River attracted early settlers in 1859, and what is now Jefferson was originally dubbed “Adele’s Cat.” The story goes that a pioneer family stopped in the area for the night, and the young girl— Adele —lost her cat. After much lamenting over the situation, they decided to stay indefinitely, and named the area after their beloved pet. Named after the popular tale, the attraction at 33031 482nd Avenue brings in people from all over, offering a wide range of family-friendly activities for all ages. The pumpkin patch is open Saturdays 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sundays noon to 6 p.m. through November. “You can visit our farm animals, including goats, chickens, and of course, our friendly cats,” said Kathy. “Kids can ride the barrel train, play in the corn pit, zoom down our many slides, dig in the sand in our tire playground, shoot hoops in our basketball gravity wagon, and try out our slingshots.” Guests can pick their own pumpkins, build a scarecrow, or pump water with old-fashioned pitcher pumps. In true fall tradition, people can also be found exploring the corn maze. Each year the owners host a Pumpkin Drop , where they release one of their giant pumpkins from high in the air. “It’s a crowd favorite for both the young and the young-at-heart,” said Kathy. The event makes new additions to the pumpkin patch every year, usually in the form of a new activity. “This year we added the PVC slide and several pieces of playground equipment out in our shelter belt,” said Kathy. “It’s always exciting to brainstorm what we want to introduce for the following season.” Adele’s Cat Pumpkin Patch is a family affair, with Kathy and her husband Travis , and sister Erin Hammitt and her husband Nick operating it all together. They all handle prep work, starting with planting the pumpkins in the spring. “The guys take charge of building new additions and keeping everything maintained, while my sister and I plan for the next season, create photo opportunities, decorate the porches, and manage field trips and the snack shop,” said Kathy. Food like popcorn and hot dogs are available for purchase, as well as a plethora of beverages like hot chocolate, apple cider floats, specialty drinks, craft and domestic beer, and wine and wine slushies are available. The attraction collaborated with local brewery Jefferson Beer Supply this year, picking and roasting pumpkins in their pumpkin patch this fall to create Adele’s Patch Cat Ale . “It’s a lightly-spiced roasted pumpkin ale that can be found at our pumpkin patch or on tap at Jefferson Beer Supply,” said Kathy. “We love to support each other locally.” The family business also strives to keep costs down so every child has the opportunity to experience the fall fun. “As we continue to grow, our goal is to maintain the charm and warmth of a small family farm,” said Kathy. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT ADELES CATPUMPKINPATCH.COM+
“GROWING NEW TYPES IS PART OF THE FUN, AND DECORATIVE PUMPKINS ARE ALWAYS A CROWD FAVORITE. PERSONALLY, I HAVE A SOFT SPOT FOR THE
WARTY ONES.” Kathy Geary
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