Sentinel staff report–
The popular Citrus Heights Pumpkin Farm, which has been in operation for nearly 50 years, will not be reopening for the 2020 season.
“We regret to announce that the Pumpkin Farm will remain closed this October 2020,” a statement on the farm’s website says. “This difficult decision is due to ongoing uncertainties for our operations around social distance rules as well as school field trips this Fall as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic.”
The farm has opened each October since 1974, when farmer Leonard Shymoniak first opened the attraction. Shymoniak passed away in 2017, but his children and grandchildren have continued operations for the past few years.
Local History: Family carries on legacy of Citrus Heights Pumpkin Farm
The Pumpkin Farm had grown to draw more than 10,000 visitors each October for a month-long “farm experience,” annually featuring corn maze activities, farm animals, a 30-foot tower slide, haunted barn, hayrides and more. Many of the farm’s visitors came from school field trips.
Email and phone messages left Friday seeking comment on future plans for the farm were not returned by press time on Saturday evening.
Guest Column: Reflections on Leonard Shymoniak, the Citrus Heights Pumpkin Farmer
