Kelly Schultz, a second-generation antique seller, transformed a former cow farm in Clarence, New York, into The Great Pumpkin Farm, a seasonal attraction that generates $2 million in annual revenue despite being open only seven weeks each fall. Since purchasing the 85-acre property in 1993, Schultz has grown the farm into a popular destination, drawing over 100,000 visitors each season who enjoy activities like pumpkin picking, corn mazes, hayrides, and pie-eating contests on weekends with a $20 admission fee. The farm thrives amid the rising trend of Halloween-related spending, which is projected to hit $13.5 billion in the U.S. in 2026.

The pumpkin farm gained national recognition after its inaugural World Pumpkin Weigh-Off in 1996, when a record-breaking 1,061-pound pumpkin drew widespread media attention. Schultz collaborated with giant pumpkin expert Ray Waterman to create this event, offering a $50,000 prize for pumpkins weighing 1,000 pounds or more. This annual weigh-off continues to be a major highlight, with the heaviest pumpkin in 2025 reaching an astonishing 1,908.5 pounds. This event helped elevate the farm’s profile from the outset and established its reputation within the pumpkin-growing community.

Visitors to The Great Pumpkin Farm enjoy a wide range of attractions beyond pumpkin sales, including a 50-foot pumpkin pyramid, magic shows, live music, pumpkin cannons, and a family-friendly petting zoo. The farm employs over 100 seasonal workers during its operating window, managing numerous activities and food vendors, while weekdays offer a quieter experience without an admission charge. Despite rising costs like fuel, Schultz aims to keep admission prices steady, reinvesting most profits back into expanding and improving the farm’s offerings year after year.

The farm operates as a multi-generational family business, with Kelly Schultz’s son Ben and grandchildren actively involved in running the operation and maintaining its momentum. After Halloween, the farm closes for the rest of the year, with cleanup and maintenance carried out by a smaller full-time staff. During the off-season, Schultz returns to his antique business until the next pumpkin season begins. The Great Pumpkin Farm exemplifies a successful seasonal enterprise that combines community engagement, creative events, and family legacy.