The annual pumpkin patch at the United Methodist Church of Mount Kisco got off to a strong start in its first weekend.

The church had a Friday - its first sales day - that was stronger than last year's - and had a weekend at about the same pace, according to Lisa Porter, who is a volunteer at a church and daughter-in-law of Pastor Emertius Willett Porter.

The good news marked a turnaround from delays that slowed down this year's start.

The pumpkins arrived Thursday night and were unloaded the following day by people from Neighbors' Link, Porter said. Delivery of the pumpkins' truck, en route from New Mexico since the previous Monday evening, was delayed twice, with the original date having been slated for Wednesday evening. The unloading was rescheduled for Thursday evening, but was delayed several hours due to traffic. Originally, JV football players from Fox Lane High School were set to help unload, but while they missed the chance, the church provided hot dogs, chili, water, and snacks to fuel its volunteers.

The truck was packed with 2,850 diverse types of pumpkins and gourds from a Navajo Indian Reservation in New Mexico, including bulk pumpkins, mini, pumpkins, spookies, turban pumpkins, acorn squash. The church has been getting pumpkins from the same place through the same company – Pumpkin Patch Inc. – since 2001. Porter said that they have been doing the pumpkin patch for about 10 years.

Once unloaded, pumpkins and gourds of many varieties were places across the church's large front yard facing Main Street. Some were placed in intricate patterns, such as around trees in circular patterns. The orange from the pumpkins provides a vivid color contrast to the white color of the church building.

Each year, thanks to the hard work of church volunteers, the pumpkin patch stays opened seven days a week and just about every pumpkin gets sold. Pumpkins are priced based on size and range from $.50 for mini pumpkins to $25 for the big ones. In total, the pumpkin patch generates around $8,000. This year, 20 percent of the church's intake will go to missions. Specifically, the 20 percent will be split between the Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry and the church's emergency shelter for the homeless during the winter.

Pastor Matt Curry explained the pumpkin patch's fundraising role. "It's a project of the church as a fundraiser for the various things the church does throughout the year. From weekly programs such as Sunday school and worship services, to offering our building to outside groups like the Boy Scouts."

Buyers who headed to the church for pumpkins came from and offered their takes.

Bob Sullivan, Mount Kisco, came with his daughter, and said it was a beautiful day to buy pumpkins. He called it a traditon, and said that he has come in past years.

"I think they're great," Chappaqua resident Stephanie Reddy said about the pumpkins. She came with her family and had three big pumpkins picked out.

Kathy Raicht, Chappaqua, noting the church's proximity, said it was great to have the pumpkin patch so close.

Liliana O'Leary, Pleasantville, also liked the church's location. She got a box full of tiny pumpkins, which she plans to put around her fireplace mantle and entrance to her house.

The pumpkin patch is open Sunday through Friday from 12 p.m. 6:30 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6:30. p.m. A second batch of pumpkins will arrive on Oct. 15. On Oct. 23 the church will hold its Great Pumpkin Festival, which will be complete with games and prizes. Sales for the pumpkin patch could continue as late as Oct. 30, or when they are sold out, Porter explained.