The Bells share their harvest with the community

Pete and Bev Bell join their son, Linken Bell, and his wife, Linh, among the pumpkins grown on their farm just west of Shakespeare. Diane Danen photo

By Diane Danen

With only a few weeks left in the season, the Bell family has been busy harvesting pumpkins and gourds on their farm just west of Shakespeare on Highway 7/8.

The family began growing sweet corn and pumpkins around 1995. At the time, they lived in Tavistock. They brought the produce home from the farm and sold it in front of their house on Jacob Street. Their three children, Reid, Raven and Linken, were young entrepreneurs who enjoyed helping out at the roadside stand.

Eventually, the family built a house on the farm. The roadside stand continued to grow in popularity, attracting more customers over the years. What began as a small family venture has grown into a busy market business.

This year, the Bells planted about three acres of sweet corn and around four acres of pumpkins. They grow 36 different varieties of pumpkins in a range of shapes, sizes and colours. The farm also offers gourds and other fall decorating items, including mums and miniature straw bales.

Pete and Bev Bell work alongside their son, Linken Bell, and his wife, Linh. Their grandchildren also enjoy helping out when they visit the farm, and two students from the area lend a hand with harvesting the sweet corn and pumpkins.

“We enjoy working together outdoors, especially with the beautiful weather we have had this fall. Having the grandchildren around just makes the work even more enjoyable,” said Bev Bell.

Giving back to their community is important to the Bells. Over the years, the family has shared their harvest with several local organizations, including Sprucedale Public School, which their grandchildren attend, as well as the daycare in Shakespeare, Tavistock Public Library and Avon Public School in Stratford.

The Bells are also providing pumpkins for Pumpkin Palooza, a family event at Shakespeare Presbyterian Church, taking place this Saturday, Oct. 24, beginning at 3 p.m. Thanks to the family’s generosity, pumpkin decorating will be one of the activities offered at the event.

For the Bells, sharing their harvest with local schools and community organizations is one way to give back to the community that has supported their family business for nearly three decades.

Although things are winding down for the season, visitors can still find a wide selection of pumpkins, gourds and other fall decorations at the Bell family farm.