🎃 Happy Halloween from Wayne County CEO! 👻

Wayne County CEO students spent the morning celebrating Halloween at Shreve’s Pumpkin Patch in Barnhill, Illinois. Shreve’s Pumpkin Patch has been a beloved fall destination in Wayne County for 36 years!

Owner and operator Sharla Shreve shared the inspiring story of how the pumpkin patch began. As a stay-at-home mom looking to help supplement the family income, she convinced her husband Mike to plant a small pumpkin patch — and from there, the business grew!

Over the years, Shreve’s has expanded to include a wide variety of fall fun and family-friendly experiences, such as corn and hay mazes, sand tables, a basketball hoop, and retail shopping featuring books, gifts, homemade baked goods, jams, and fresh cider. Mike introduced the idea of adding a corn maze to the farm. Working with graphic design students from the University of Arkansas and the local FS dealer, the maze took on a new creative design each year — from a penny featuring Abe Lincoln’s profile to intricate farm-themed patterns.

The corn maze was a massive project each season, and following Mike’s passing three years ago, Sharla made the difficult decision to retire that part of the business. Still, the heart of Shreve’s Pumpkin Patch continues to thrive — a testament to the Shreve family’s creativity, hard work, and love for their community.

Sharla said their biggest challenge is weather. This year was a difficult year with lots of rain and then, none... They actually had to buy pumpkins this year from Frey's. She also told students she couldn't do all that she does without the help of her family. She plans to retire this year... we hope she still continues to help with the baked goods!

🎃 Thank you to Sharla for sharing your story and hosting Wayne County CEO today! It was a perfect place to celebrate Halloween!