Pumpkins, fireworks and a bustling country store stocked with locally grown products greet visitors at popular northwest Iowa destination. 

Amy Solsma has been asked many times how many pumpkins she grows annually on their farm along the busy stretch of Highway 18 near rural Sanborn in northwest Iowa.

“Honestly couldn’t count,” she says with a smile. “A lot … sometimes more than others depending on the year.”

But each year there is plenty to satisfy the new and repeat customers who flock to Solsma’s “Punkin Patch and Fireworks,” the region’s premier fall location for harvesttime fun each year.

Consider this one drizzly Wednesday morning in mid-September. A visitor braved the weather and dropped in from nearby Spirit Lake for honey and cupcakes, while another gentleman stopped on his way home from Sioux Falls to grab some homemade apple crisp. 

A steady stream of customers selected their annual supply of pumpkins, hauling them to their vehicles by wagon, while others browsed the country store, stocked with products from 20 local vendors, including honey, wine, seasonings, frosted cupcakes, apples, crafts, home decor and clothing.

Just a typical fall day, said Amy — a blessing she’s been able to enjoy for 26 years since she first decided to plant a few pumpkin seeds on a 40-by-40-foot plot at the farm.

“It’s special,” she said. “I have people I see once a year when they go to the Clay County Fair … or the Lakes traffic heading back to Omaha, Lincoln or Kansas City. And many locals come every year, bring their kids, and I’ve seen them grow up and now they bring their own kids.

“Every year is a new adventure.”

PICTURED ABOVE: Amy Solsma sets out some products at her country store near Sanborn during a break from customer traffic last month. PHOTO / BOB BJOIN


Years of growth

Outside the store are 65 varieties of pumpkins, gourds, squash, ornamental and broom corn, along with colorful mums. Out back, youngsters can play games, dig in a sandbox full of corn, or explore the 5-acre seasonal corn maze that changes theme each year.

The Solsmas also sell beef from their 10-cow Hereford herd and their own ruby red popcorn — available freshly popped or in bags to take home. 

One of the most popular fall items remains the homemade apple crisp.

“We do raise our own beef and our own … ruby red popcorn which is kind of unique,” said Amy. “Apple pie and apple crisp are very popular.”

In 2017, Iowa legalized retail fireworks sales, and Amy seized the opportunity. While the country store operates from Labor Day through Christmas, it transforms into a fireworks superstore around the July 4 holiday and again at Christmas and New Year’s.

“The fireworks was part of the reason we built this (new) building (in 2017) … Our older building wasn’t conducive to offering that very well,” Amy explained. 

“We were sitting at a softball game one day, and our friend said you guys should sell fireworks. It wasn’t even an option at the time … but when the law was passed in 2017, we really enjoy it … We expanded this year and added two satellite locations … one in Sheldon and another in Spencer.”

School groups often tour the farm, and Amy explains how she plants, cares for and harvests pumpkins. With her background in education, hosting those visits is especially rewarding, she said.

Another popular addition has been weekend food trucks, offering a variety of dining options. “That’s been a real hit as well,” Amy said. “Just something we thought to try.”


History and roots

The pumpkin patch complements the family’s larger farm operation. Amy’s husband, Jay, and son, Blake, grow corn and soybeans, care for cattle and manage a Beck’s Hybrids seed dealership. 

Daughter, Claire, is a local attorney who, along with Blake, grew up helping their mom with the pumpkin patch and on the farm.

In 2023, the family was honored at the Iowa State Fair with the Way We Live Award, given to families who demonstrate dedication to agriculture and strong Iowa farm values.

Amy’s passion stems from her childhood near Newkirk, where she helped her parents tend a large garden, including pumpkins they set out by the roadside to sell for one quarter apiece.

“When this started years ago, I thought I’d like to do the same thing with our kids,” she said.

As the patch grew to now 5 acres, Amy’s parents often brought pumpkins from their own garden to contribute. A photo on the country store’s back wall serves as a tribute to them, and the family roots that run deep.

“I look at that picture, and it just reminds me of my parents and the legacy that they had on their farm,” Amy said.

“I hope people can create memories here, too. It has been a great time doing this for so many years, but I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t love it.”

For more information, visit www.solsma.com.