PDOP pumpkin patch being readied for family fun

As the weather gets cooler and the last signs of summer fade, it is time once again for the Pahrump Disability Outreach Program’s annual Pumpkin Days at Ian Deutch Memorial Park.

The event, scheduled to take place Oct. 25 through Oct. 27, will boast a variety of activities for the whole family including a maze, hay pyramid, hay rides, petting zoo, turtle train rides, face painting, pony rides, a haunted house, carnival games and of course a pumpkin patch full of the recognizable round, orange plants the season is so well known for.

PDOP will also have a brand new fire truck playhouse, which the group debuted at the recent Fall Festival, at the event as well.

In addition to the activities scheduled to take place throughout Pumpkin Days, the Monster Dash 5k is also scheduled to take place Saturday at 8 a.m. at the park. All proceeds from that event will go to support PDOP as well.

While Pumpkin Days provides a place for families to enjoy themselves and the season, it more importantly raises money for PDOP in their efforts to help children with disabilities and their families in the Pahrump community.

PDOP President David Boruchowitz said with the funds the organization will raise from this year’s event the group will continue to be able to assist its members in paying for necessary medical costs or other services they need for their children.

The money raised will also go to help the group realize its goal of bringing a pediatric therapist to the Pahrump area as well.

“We’re actually really close to having a therapist in Pahrump, a pediatric therapist, which has been our goal for four years and we’re finally going to see it through,” Boruchowitz said. “We’re hoping by the beginning of the year (to have the therapist out here), if all goes well. That was our main goal when we started, but we’re just getting there finally.”

Boruchowitz said the group also hopes to use some of the money from the event to start an educational program about disability awareness in the community.

“Our goal for this year is to roll out an education program for the community, whether that’s by way of advertising, billboards, or some sort of meetings or education opportunities. We’re always reaching for the stars hoping we’ll get there,” he said.

With the success of the Pumpkin Days event in years past, PDOP has also announced it will be hosting a similar winter-themed event Dec. 13-15 at Ian Deutch Memorial Park called Holly Days as well.

Pumpkin Days will be open to the public for an admission cost of $5 for a single day or $10 for the entire weekend.

The event will run Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information about PDOP or to sign up for the Monster Dash 5k visit the group’s website at www.pdop.info. The last day to register for the run is today.