Sanders say goodbye

VINTON — A diagnosis of Lupus 34 years ago didn't stop Bonnie Sanders from living her dream. In fact, she says it's part of what kept her going. But now, after 40 years of pumpkin farming and leading field trips five days a week, she and her husband Dwight have decided it's time to slow down.

This fall will be their last operating Sanders Pumpkin Farm, just south of Vinton.

Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that causes your body to create antibodies that, instead of protecting the body, attack and destroy healthy tissue. The disease has slowly degraded Sander's heath and caused her pain and fatigue.

Although her mind 'could do this forever,' her body is too tired to continue the long hours and physical demand of farming.

'You're constantly on the go,' Bonnie said. 'I'm at peace with my decision, but it doesn't mean I won't miss it.'

Most of all, she said she'll miss seeing the families who come year after year.

Christine Studer started visiting Sanders Pumpkin Farm with her family 20 years ago. This year, she returned with her daughter and grandchildren.

Her daughter, Camille Perreault, said she used to love hunting for the perfect cob of Indian corn. Now, as her 2-year-old son places acorn squash into their vintage Red Ryder wagon, she says the 50 different varieties of edible, decorative and heirloom squash keep her coming back.

'You just can't get this variety anywhere,' agreed Studer.

On Oct. 31, the Sander's will end their season for the final time.

The tradition will live on, though, with a new family. The Kacenas, who run a Christmas tree farm just north of Vinton, will be working with the Sanders to add pumpkins.

Deb Kacena said she's always wanted to add pumpkins to the Christmas tree farm.

'We left a blank spot (on the farm) for pumpkins, but the Sanders have always been the pumpkin farm,' she said. 'We just never thought that we could compete with them and why would we want to? They're great.'

Kacena said she hopes families will continue look forward to coming out every year, not just for pumpkins and Christmas trees, but also for the experience.

'I want to make it magical,' she said.

The Kacenas plan to add animals to their farm, like the Sanders had, but will also continue some traditions of their own, like offering free chili, hot dogs and apple cider doughnuts to their customers.

'I'm glad they're taking over. It's making the transition much easier for me,' said Bonnie Sanders. 'My dream can continue, and it's great that our community can continue to have a place like this. I hope (the Kacenas) will be as blessed as I have been.'

IF YOU GO: Sanders Pumpkin Farm

• Where: 2449 63rd St. Vinton,

• Hours: 9 a.m. to dusk daily through Oct. 31