The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Farm market caters to traditions
A local pumpkin patch and farm is gearing up for fall.
Nagel’s Farm Market and Pumpkin Patch has been a staple in Lorain County for almost 200 years.
The Nagel family has owned farmland in Avon since the 18th century.
Nagel roads were named after the Johannes Nagel family, early settlers who owned more than 1,000 acres of farmland in Avon and Avon Lake in the 1840s.
Brittney Nagel, wife of Jaimie Nagel, says they are still a small family business who loves what they do.
“We have so much local support,” she said. “We’re a close knit family who genuinely have fun, and I think visitors can tell the atmosphere is pleasant.”
On Oct. 16, they will host a trick-or-treat event at the patch.
The event will begin at 11 AM and will supply youngsters with treats, toys and other fun activities while supplies last.
“We’ll have stations with goodie bags of candy, stickers and popular toys that all the kids love,” said Nagel. “It’s free and everyone is invited to come hang out with us!”
The Farm Market and Pumpkin Patch has recently expanded to grow mums as well, Nagel said.
“We had them since June and now they’re blooming and so gorgeous,” she said. “I think it’s a fun additive for the community.”
The pumpkin patch and farm also provides visitors with an aesthetic vibe including multiple opportunities for fall photos.
“We have a photo opportunity with the mums in the background along with fall backdrops and a hay couch,” she said.
Nagel says her favorite part is cultivating the farm.
“At first we just grew pumpkins and other family members grew the produce but when we lost Uncle Don, my husband and I,
along with our siblings, began to learn more about the produce.”
Hugh “Don” Nagel Jr., 63, the fourth generation to farm the Avon institution, passed away Oct. 2017 after a brief battle with stagefour brain cancer.
She says the goal is to leave a legacy.
“My husband and his brothers started growing pumpkins at 10 years old and it’s just great to see him now with his kids,” she said.
“We want the farm for gen
erations so we can teach
our kids as they grow.”
The Nagel’s Farm Market and Pumpkin Patch is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.