Iron Kettle Farm celebrates 50 years 

A sign inside Iron Kettle Farm, located at 707 Owego Rd., Rte. 96 in Candor, N.Y., greets visitors with, “Welcome! Where are you from?”

On Columbus Day, one of the farm’s busiest fall days, the dry-erase white board was completely filled with responses. Names of familiar towns in New York and Pennsylvania made up a majority of the hand-written replies, but others like North Carolina, Florida, and even Germany, stood out. One visitor played their trick-or-treat card and answered the “Where are you from” question with the answer, “Earth.”

Now celebrating their 50th year, the fall season attracts thousands to Iron Kettle Farm where both kids and adults enjoy partaking in spooktacular fun.

The original farm property purchased in 1969 by Skip and Jeanne Jackson started off as a roadside market, named after a huge kettle found behind a barn. The market was built in 1973, followed by property expansions and a greenhouse in the 1980’s, with several renovations since. 

The Jackson’s’ three children were very active in the business while growing up. Today, son Brian and daughters Bonnie Jensen and Jennifer Jennison operate the farm in partnership with Skip and Jeanne, along with help from several grandchildren.

Jennifer commented, “When our parents first started, they never expected it to turn into this, it has been quite amazing,” adding, “We are very appreciative of all of the people who visit the farm.”

The Jackson’s are pleased to see the second and third generations of families visit the farm, and hope all leave having enjoyed a fun family experience.

Open from May through Oct. 31, Iron Kettle Farm is a year-round operation with the maple syrup process starting in February, greenhouse planting in early spring, and pumpkin planting in June. Preparations for the fall festivities actually start in early July.

Jennifer remarked, “The pumpkin crop has been a good one this year.”

One of the most popular attractions on the farm is the pumpkin display. Visitors flock to walk through a winding path of pumpkin-crafted book characters, and other well known’s. Most are easy to figure out, while some keep you guessing.   

Jeanne started the display in 1969, taking on about a dozen characters. Bonnie and Jennifer have expanded the display to over 200.  

Jennifer explained that there are several scenes that remain the same every year, such as the “Three Little Kittens,” one of her favorites that highlight an antique washing machine, and another beloved scene, the “Wizard of Oz.”  

Jennifer noted, “We do try to change it up each year.”

The process, which takes several weeks, typically starts with the perfect pumpkin selection, followed by Bonnie placing the heads on. Jennifer paints on the faces and expressions, and this year had some help from the next generation, her twelve-year-old daughter.    

Walking through the pumpkin display and the animal barn is free to the public. Park for free, too, and be sure to stop by the now famous, “Watch Me Grow” sign.

There are other activities that require tickets, such as the pumpkin express train, a hayride, pedal tractors, playgrounds, and a spook barn and fun barn, just to name a few. 

Visitors will also find a vast selection of New York State apples. Jennifer remarked that Iron Kettle apples have come from the same growers in Williamson, N.Y. for decades.

And, not just pumpkins, the farm offers winter squash, gourds, corn stalks, and more. Visitors will enjoy homemade baked goods, caramel apples, apple cider and kettle corn, along with honey and homemade jams, and some made right at the farm. Grandma’s Barn features an abundance of gift items, and many from local vendors and crafters. The farm market is open daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.  

For more information, call (607) 659-7707, visit www.ironkettlefarm.com, or find them on Facebook.