The Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch announced Wednesday that it will not open this year.
The community staple, located at the corner of FM 1171 and Lusk Lane in Flower Mound, has invited families out every October for over 30 years, but that is coming to an end, at least for this year.
“There are so many variables in this decision,” said owner Jan Balekian, who attributed it to skyrocketing inflation and a lack of workers.
“So much has gone up. Fuel, insurance…even porta-potties are $14,000,” said Balekian. “I don’t want to charge more with less to offer our customers. We can’t get hay this year (due to the drought). Even if you can get it, it’s almost $12 per bale, up from $2 last year.”
Balekian said recruiting people to help run the patch has been challenging.
“Only 10 people responded to our want ads. I normally hire around 50 people. Nobody wants to work,” said Balekian.
Last September, Balekian said the Pumpkin Patch couldn’t open because she couldn’t find enough employees, but that sparked a grassroots effort to save the event. Christi Beca, a longtime Flower Mound resident and realtor who also runs the Flower Mound Women in Business networking group, rallied the community and referred nearly 300 people to apply to staff the popular attraction.
This year, Balekian said there were just too many obstacles to keep the tradition going.
“Believe me, it broke my heart. I literally cried because I love these kids and I’m on my second generation of families,” said Balekian. “This is my legacy. It is not something I want to quit.”
Balekian said her annual Christmas Tree Farm between Thanksgiving and Christmas will still take place this year.
It also may not be the final chapter for the Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch.
“If things change and the economy gets better and people want to work again, I will be right there back and doing it.”
