What has become a City of Rio Rancho staple in October is turning 15 years old this Friday 10.1.2021.

The Galloping Goat Pumpkin Patch began in 2006 as a way to offer families a wholesome and fun atmosphere nearby, said GGPP Founder Max Wade.

“After sitting out for a year, due to the pandemic, we fine-tuned a few things for this year’s event,” Wade said. “I guess we just didn’t realize the future was so unpredictable, but we are ready to have fun this year.”

According to Wade, it takes a full year of planning to prepare for every pumpkin patch.

“The actual physical construction of this event takes us about a month to set up,” he said. “It takes a few days to mark everything and find the right location for where everything is going to go.”

Wade said he estimates the pumpkin patch grounds cover just a little over two acres at its location in the upper parking lot at the Rio Rancho Event Center.

“Over the past few years we have had a headcount of between 20 to 25 thousand people attending the pumpkin patch over the course of a month,” he said.

Admission to enter this event is $8 per adult, and $6 for children, military, veterans or first responders, he said.

“The cost of everything has gone up so much,” Wade said. “But I am cautiously optimistic that we will have a good turnout this year since so many people have been stuck at home for so long.”

Since Wade has taken to social media and has followers from around the globe watching him on Tik Tok, he said he anticipates a few long-distance visitors will attend the pumpkin patch that will also be here for the International Balloon Fiesta.

“We have had attendees from all over the state before, but this year might be different given all of the followers I have on my Tik Tok channel,” he said.

For more information on the Galloping Goat Pumpkin Patch go to: https://gallopinggoat.com/