WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - A local pumpkin patch in Maize has announced that it will be closing permanently on October 26. The closure was shared through a message on the Cedar Creek Farms & Pumpkin Patch Facebook page, which stated, “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in our little dream.” The post also noted that the pumpkin patch will close at 7 p.m. on Sunday, October 26.
The decision to shut down comes months after the owners of the pumpkin patch, Aaron and Kara Smith, were charged with child abuse. While specific details about the case are still under seal, the charges against Aaron include “unlawfully and knowingly impeding the normal breathing or circulation of the blood by applying pressure on the throat, neck or chest of a child under 18.” Kara is accused of “unlawfully and knowingly torture, cruelly beat, cruelly strike or cruelly kick a child at least six years of age but less than 18.”
Both Aaron and Kara remain out of jail on a $10,000 bond. They are scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on November 6.
A statement from the pumpkin patch’s Facebook page explained that the family made the difficult choice to close the operation after much thought and consideration. The message emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and was made in response to the ongoing legal challenges faced by the family.
The land where the pumpkin patch is located will be auctioned off on November 11, with a closing date set for November 20. The Smith family expressed their deep emotional connection to the farm, describing it as a place they built from the ground up.
“Our family has poured our hearts, souls, sweat, countless hours, late nights, and early mornings into building this farm from the ground up,” the message read. “Together, we’ve created something truly magical — a place where families could unplug, reconnect, and make lasting memories.”
The family also reflected on the joy they experienced while running the pumpkin patch. They shared how they found happiness in the laughter of children picking their first pumpkins, couples dancing by the bonfire, and the smiles of visitors who became part of their Cedar Creek family.
Despite the challenges, the Smiths remain grateful for the support they received over the years. Their message concluded with a heartfelt thank you to everyone who visited and supported the pumpkin patch.
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