Pumpkin Patches, Pumpkin Fests, and Corn Mazes Abound in Norwich, Oneonta, Cooperstown and Across Central New York

Pumpkin patches, pumpkin fests and corn mazes are staples of early fall. Grab a warm apple cider and check out the listings of great pumpkin patches and pumpkin fest in Cooperstown, Norwich, Oneonta and all of central New York.

Cooperstown Pumpkin Festival

The Cooperstown Pumpkin Festival brings farmers from all over New York State for the famed weigh off.

Website: cooperstownchamber.org/pumpkinfest

Schedule:

• Saturday, Sept. 22, Doubleday Field Parking Lot: Giant pumpkin weigh off, pumpkin carving contest, Main St. scavenger hunt, Live music and a performance at the Smithy Center for the Arts
• Sunday, Sept. 23, Lake Front Park: Pumpkin regatta, craft and food vendors, giant pumpkin regatta, children's games.

Norwich Pumpkin Festival

The Norwich Pumpkin Festival is celebrating 14 years of FREE family fun and entertainment this year.

Website: www.norwichpumpkinfestival.com

Features: Thousands of pumpkins, carving tent, haunted house, horse and wagon rides, and great food.

When: Oct. 12-13, 2012

Where: East and West Park, Rt. 12, downtown Norwich.

Schoharie County's Pick a Pumpkin Pumpkin Patch

A great stop for kids and adults alike, and at only $3 admission, a price everyone can afford.

Website: Pickapumpkin.com

Open: Sept. 29-Oct. 31, 2012

Features: hayrides, pick your own pumpkin, hay tunnel, a four-story tree house, farm animals, cider donuts, frisbee golf, pedal cars.

Where: 2716 Creek Road in Esperance, New York.

Willy's Farm and Cider Mill

Willy's Farm and Cider Mill pumpkin patch runs all fall and is one of the area's great destinations for pumpkin patch fun. The farm and cider mill does not profit from the event. All proceeds are reinvested in the farm to keep it running for another year.

Features: Wagon rides, haunted hay ride, corn maze, pumpkin people and farm animals.

Also on sale are apples, cider, baked goods, crafts, gourds, pumpkins and "the best apple pie in the county"

When: Open now!

Where: 349 Badeau Hill Rd, Schenevus, NY