By Amy Batista, Special Writer
MONROE — The fourth annual Jack-O’-Lantern Display was back this past weekend at Pop’s Farm Market and Garden Center on Cranbury Station Road along with a new attraction at the “Barn-O-Fun” and weekend hayrides, according to farmer David Byrne, Jr.
More than 300 people attended the display on Saturday evening.
The Byrne family, which owns the farm, continues each year to be creative by developing new family entertainment in hopes of generating some extra income during these hard economic times.
”We originally started years ago to try and build the business, we offered it on a small scale, no charge, hoping to get new customers. Then we stopped for a while because we did it outside and had a few rainy weekends,” said Diane Byrne, owner of Pop’s Farm Market and Garden Center. “Four years ago, my son and husband came up with the idea to set up in the barn so we brought it back and made it much bigger and also the designs got much better.”
According to Mr. Byrne Jr., the first jack o’lantern display started in 1991.The display is always done the same weekend in Oct.
”It is always Columbus Day weekend to help our customers remember when it is,” Ms. Byrne said.
In addition to the jack-o’-lantern display, the family continues to add to their Barn-O-Fun. In addition to the hayride offered during the daytime on the farm, are the pedal tractors for kids.
The Barn-O-Fun includes a straw maze, bean bag toss, decorating a pumpkin, needle in a haystack search, pedal tractors, and a petting zoo.
”I got them (pedal tractors) this year and that has been a big hit with the kids,” Mr. Byrne said.
The activities start as early as 1 p.m. and families travel from near and far to enjoy them. For some, it is a yearly tradition and they can’t wait till the next year to come back again.
”It is inside the barn so you can see it day or night,” said Mr. Bryne, Jr. “So many people don’t understand that it’s dark inside (the barn). They are uniquely carved pumpkins, not just faces.”
More than 300 pumpkins were hand-carved for the barn, and extra ones were put on display outside. All of them were carved by about 30 family members and friends who were willing to come after work and help the Byrne family for a couple hours throughout the week to carve pumpkins each night before the event. Carving began Monday afternoon and ended Friday right before the display opened at 1 p.m.
According to Mr. Byrne, Jr., the Nativity of Our Lord Youth Group participated and helped carve the 30 pumpkins that were put on display.
”It’s for all ages in the family,” Mr. Byrne, Jr. said. “The carvings go from little cartoon characters up to beer (icons) and it is not haunted so it is for little kids.”
For mom and owner, Ms. Byrne, her favorite part of the event is the carving of the pumpkins.
”I love the carving, then, when we set them up and when new people walk into the barn,” Ms. Byrne said. “I hear the reaction when they see them all lit for the first time.”
Carver and Byrne family cousin Katie Lyons of Hopewell said she has been part of the experience since the beginning.
”It’s fun and a little tedious depending on what you are doing,” said Ms. Lyons. “The end result is always awesome.”
Ms. Lyons took out her cell phone to show the photos of her carvings, which included – The Shining, The Crow, Killer Clowns from Outer Space, Ninja Turtle and more.
Dee Wisniewski of Hamilton is a daughter in the Byrne family, and describes the carving experiences as a “nice bonding time with family.”
Ms. Wisnieski’s carvings include – the Gremlins –Gizmo and Stripe, Wawa and Perry the Platypus.
”It probably took me about half hour,” Ms. Wisnieski said in response to carving a detailed pumpkin.
Children and adults alike were in awe as they walked into the barn to find hundreds of pumpkins lit up on stacks of straw. Not only were the pumpkins lit up, but also some were even in different colored lights.
Hayrides to the pumpkin patch are available every weekend through October along with the Barn-O-Fun. Groups can come during the week but must call ahead. For further information, please call Pop’s Farm Market and Garden Center at (609) 655-4175.

