When we started designing and fabricating the signs for Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, our goal was to tell their story and enhance the work they had been doing for many years. There were not many trees on the property when they bought it. Each year, Tim Vala planted scores of trees. Through the decades, the paths became beautifully tree-shaded, and in the fall the colours are fabulous. Many of the signs we’ve designed have a tree structure as a base. Because they are sculpted from steel and concrete, they will never rot. The colours were carefully chosen to mimic the historical wood structures and fences that abound at every turn. We even made sure some of the metal on the brackets was exposed and allowed to develop surface rust to look as old as the rest of the farm. The decorating crew will surround the giant stump with pumpkins just before the fall season opens. And Jack, the farm mascot, sits atop, perfectly balancing a stack of the delicious apple donuts they are famous for.
Stefan's truck
Decades ago, when I was in grade school, I filled the margins of my notebooks with little drawings of antique cars and trucks. As I grew into my older teens and twenties, I was always into cars, especially older ones with the fenders outside the bodies. As we began to build photo ops for numerous themed attractions, a small-scale antique truck or car was often included in the design package and through the years we have built many such vehicles. At Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, we’ve built two so far. This little red beauty sits outside Stefan’s Country Drive, a Model ‘T’ driving experience which is next to the Cider Mill.
Favourite sign
My week at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch is now concluded. It was busy, productive and fun. The list of projects for next year is being drawn up and will be finalized over the next few months. While I was there, I met with many friends I’ve made through the years while visiting the farm. I was asked a bunch of times which of the scores of signs was my favourite. It is kind of like being asked which of my grandchildren is my favourite, which is impossible to answer. They are all special with unique memories attached. As I rode my cart around the farm checking out each sign we’ve created, I also took pictures. They change with the light and angle, and so I made a point of taking pictures throughout the week. This pair I love, perhaps because they remind me of the wonderfully delicious pies the Vala’s crew makes inside.
