One of the fixtures of the fall season in Chilton County will not be open for business this year.

The Grand Ole Pumpkin Patch located on Alabama Highway 145 near Interstate 65 Exit 212, will be closed for 2014 due to sickness and death in the owners’ family.

Bobby and Frances Payton have operated the Patch for more than 15 years, and a visit to the Patch has become a tradition for many.

Bobby Payton said on Thursday that he hopes to reopen the Patch in 2015, but thought it best to keep the Patch closed this year.

The Grand Ole Pumpkin Patch has more than 35 acres of pumpkins, gourds and other fall plants.

Typically, the Patch opened Oct. 1-31, and visitors to the Patch could select pumpkins from the vine, enjoy hayrides to the large pumpkin patch every so often, and homemade food, barbecue and pies in the concession area.

The Patch also provided fall décor and crafts sold on the property as well as a petting zoo, inflatable park, and a hay pyramid and maze.

Many field trips from local and statewide schools would schedule trips throughout the week to the Patch.

For those interested in visiting a pumpkin patch this fall, Old Baker Farm Pumpkin Patch in Shelby County will be open Sept. 29-Oct. 31.

The Patch, located in Harpersville, is open from 3 p.m. until dark each weekday, 9 a.m. until dark on Saturday and 1 p.m. until dark on Sunday.

For more information visit, www.oldbakerfarm.com or call (205) 672-7209.

The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum’s Pumpkin Patch Express in Calera begins in October.

The entire family can enjoy an autumn ride aboard the Pumpkin Patch Express for a hayride, cornstalk maze, as well as coloring. Snacks and soft drinks available for purchase.

Guests can pick a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch for an additional charge.

For a detailed schedule or to purchase tickets for the Pumpkin Patch Express, visit www.hodrrm.org or call (205) 757-8383.

In Dallas County, Yeargan Farms sells pumpkins in the “shop” or visitors can pick from the field.

Other activities at the farm include a cow train ride, corn maze, tractor-pulled hay ride, honey from hives on the farm, gift shop, concessions and refreshment stand, picnic area and face painting.

According to the website for the farm, Yeargan Farms is open Sept. 27-Oct. 31 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 1p.m.-6 p.m. Sundays and Monday-Thursday open to field trips and groups only.

For more information, visit www.yeargan.com or (334) 375-2424.