Sasquash Pumpkin Patch opens on county’s east side, offering 15 varieties of pumpkins
Photos provided by Sasquash Pumpkin Patch
A new pumpkin patch open on Daviess County’s east side by way of Sasquash Pumpkin Farm. Owned and operated by Vic Hearne and family, the farm boasts over 15 varieties of pumpkins, with some giant ones approaching 100 pounds.
Located at 2927 KY-142, the farm offers a family atmosphere with ample opportunities for adults and kids to take home a pumpkin. Hearne said they also have several photo opportunities, baked goods, and more.
“This is our first year,” Hearne said. “My son, Joe, had the idea of putting in a pumpkin patch and creating a family-friendly experience.”
The family opened the pumpkin patch to the public on September 16. Along with traditional varieties typically used for jack-o-lanterns, he said they have several decorative options as well.
Joe Hearne and his wife moved back to Owensboro to be closer to family. Initially, they wanted to build a home on the piece of property where the patch sits, but after surveys, blueprints, and more, they decided it wasn’t economically feasible.
Instead, they purchased a home and some land on the outskirts of Owensboro but continually looked for opportunities to capitalize on the Philpot property. As a family, the Hearnes have always been dedicated pumpkin patch visitors, especially in Louisville, and they wanted to bring that same magic back to Owensboro with them.
“After we bought the home and land outside of town, we didn’t know what to do with the other land we had purchased,” Joe said. “We were always going to pumpkin patches in Louisville, so I told my dad we should look into it.”
The property where Sasquash sits has been in the family for decades, so it seemed fitting that the project would be a family operation. Joe put his graphic design skills to work and began drafting a logo and creating a web presence.
“I spent a small amount of money in advertising, and overnight, it blew up,” he said. “I had a digital marketing guy reach out, and he told me the engagement was what most businesses hope to have after three to five years. We just wanted it to be a small and fun thing to do, but it’s turned out to be much more.”
The family arrived at the name because of the many reported Sasquatch sightings in the area during the 60s and 70s. Pair that with the fact that pumpkins are a type of squash, and it’s the perfect play on words.
“There’s a fascination with the concept of Big Foot,” Joe said. “Folks are captivated by the icon. We’ve sold stickers, t-shirts, and more. You might even see a Sasquatch roaming the property,”
Sasquash has no events planned for the Fall, but they are considering pumpkin-chucking contests, hayrides, and more in the future.
“From the beginning, our goal has been to provide a unique spin on the pumpkin patch concept,” Hearne said. “One of the ways we sought to do this was through providing something more than the common field pumpkin.”
The farm offers unique varieties, including Big Maxes, which reach 100 pounds; Fireballs, which boast beautiful colors; and Polar Bears, which are solid white. Joe attributed the overwhelmingly positive responses to people’s desire to experience new things and share those experiences with friends and family.
“We live in a world where social media is everything,” Joe said. “People take pride in their digital presence and want to show their friends and family that they’re doing fun and unique things. Sasquash is the perfect atmosphere to take photos, make memories, and enjoy time with friends and families.”
For more information about Sasquash Pumpkin Farm, visit them on Facebook.