The Wemple Ranch was founded 140 years ago as a dairy and wheat threshing ranch. Wemple's Pumpkin Patch was started in 1993, by Fred and Dena Wemple and then young son Matt. Along the way the Pumpkin Patch has grown in acreage size, attractions and also the addition of Fred and Dena’s daughter, Callie.
Today the pumpkin patch is ran by Dena, Fred, Matt and Callie Wemple. In addition to pumpkins Fred Wemple Ranch grows and harvests, alfalfa, wheat and pumpkins on about 650 acres in Milford, Californa.
Meet the Fred Wemple Family
Fred and Dena Wemple
Fred was born and raised in Milford on the Wemple Ranch, at the age 18 he bought into the ranch and has been actively running it ever since. In 1986 Fred and Dena were married and in 1993 the Pumpkin Patch became a special part of Fred Wemple Ranch operations. Dena and Fred can be found working every day at the Pumpkin Patch. Frequently Fred is the "grill master" for the Cookhouse or seen driving the hay wagon. Dena is always out and about making sure that everyone is enjoying themselves and making sure everything is running smoothly.
Matt Wemple
Matt is the son of Dena and Fred. He is the master mind of the corn maze and has been planting, maintaining and designing the corn maze since he was in his early teens. One of Matts other passions on the Pumpkin Patch is the wagon rides. Matt restored the tractor with guidance from his dad from a heap of rusted metal to the beautiful piece of machinery it is today. Visitiors to the Lassen County Fair will recognize the tractor as a Best of Show exhibit.
Callie Wemple
Callie is the daughter of Dena and Fred and has spent every year of her life as part of the Pumpkin Patch. Callie can often be found in the Cookhouse or the Wemple's Pumpkin Patch Country Store behind the cash register. Each year Callie helps her mom in deciding what should be bought for the Country Store and also helps to set it up. Callie is also responsible for the animals that vistors are able to get up close to. Be sure to have a look at Callie's famous turkeys.
Fuzzy Wemple RETIRED
2009 will see a change at Wemple's Pumpkin Patch, Fuzzy the dog has retired from the Pumpkin Patch and will be at home relaxing.