First United Methodist Church of Laurel will officially open The Great Pumpkin Patch of FUMC today.

Members and volunteers worked Wednesday to unload an 18-wheeler truck carrying hundreds of pumpkins and Fall products in preparation for the event.

Stacey Byrd, director of children ministry at FUMC, said the church’s front lawn at 420 North 5th Avenue is being transformed into a pumpkin patch for all to see.

Byrd said the event, which is designed as a fundraiser and community outreach project, will be conducted for the next 10 days.

She said more than 850 pumpkins are being arranged on the church’s front lawn located at the corner of Sawmill Road and 5th Avenue.

Byrd said the event officially begins at 10 a.m. today and will run about 10 days.

“We ordered 860 big pumpkins and thousands of small pumpkins. We have Indian corn and a variety of gourds,” she said. “We have a new squash gourd for all to see this year.”

Byrd said the event is designed to be an outreach for the community.

“We invite all to come and get in the Fall spirit and fellowship with others,” she said. “It’s a fun time for people to come out and see the pumpkins. The children also learn about pumpkins and can take photos in the pumpkin patch.”

Others agree.

“The community comes together for a good cause,” FUMC’s John Davis said. “It’s a wonderful project.”

Kajsa Gedlitschka, an eight-year-old FUMC member, was among numerous children taking part in the project.

“I love it,” she said. “It’s fun.”

Judy Thoms and Jennifer Rogers agreed.

“It’s just a fun activity,” Thoms said. “The whole community enjoys it.”