ABRAMS – Along with its warm colors, falling leaves and pumpkin spice, autumn brings a special kind of fun to the area. This year, BerryLand in Abrams is providing a new, fun experience to create lasting memories for the whole family.
Originally owned by Doc and Elda Doudna, the farmland was used to raise and breed cattle, before Doc Doudna retired and began growing pumpkins. While renting their land, their daughter Kris and son-in-law Tony LeFebre founded BerryLand, which would become a cherished area favorite among families.
Now run by Doc Doudna’s grandson, Andy LeFebre, and his wife, Suzzy Lefebre, the business continues to grow.
Focusing on a pick-your-own produce format for their strawberries, asparagus and pumpkins, BerryLand gives guests a hands-on and down-to-earth experience.
“We focus on pick-your-own because I believe people like getting outside and experiencing something real,” Andy LeFebre said.
“With more and more things automated and done for you, there’s still a demand — a shift — toward wanting to see how things grow, to gain respect and appreciation for where food comes from and to get some fresh air.”
As the fall season progresses, BerryLand has numerous fall offerings for guests to experience. “We have over 100 varieties of pumpkins, 40 types of gourds and 30 varieties of squash, including lots of freaky, warty, multicolored ones,” Andy LeFebre explained.
“We sell mums, corn stalks, hay bales and our own honey. We also enjoy supporting other small businesses and currently have two earring stands, local pure maple syrup and jams our beekeeper makes.”
BerryLand also has a variety of exciting events planned for the approaching Halloween season.
“Our main draw is the child-friendly haunted hayride, which includes a pick-your-own pumpkin from the patch and admission to all the yard activities,” he said.
“Guests can also enjoy our mini-munchkin maze, bouncy houses, photo ops, human hamster wheels, gravity box basketball, duck races, human-sized foosball, yard toss games, a music wall, an obstacle course and lots more. We hope guests bring out their inner child and have fun at every activity, and that we create a fun fall atmosphere where family traditions are made.”
Andy LeFebre also added that there are new additions to the obstacle course, including bowling, gravity box basketball and putt-putt.
This year, BerryLand’s Fall Festival begins on Saturday, Sept. 19, with operation hours between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. daily through Oct. 30. Hayrides will only be offered on Saturdays and Sundays. Hours on Saturday, Oct. 31, will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with hayrides going from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Haunted hayrides will cost $12 per person, or $4 per person for participation in the fall activities without the hayride.
“There is something special about the fall season; the changing colors are beautiful, [and] we are so lucky to be able to experience that,” Andy LeFebre added.
“It’s also a time for families to experience something fun together and make lasting memories and create traditions. We love seeing all the smiling faces! It has a huge impact on our business and truly is the reason we do what we do. Having generations coming back gives us the biggest smiles and personally leaves an impact on our hearts!”
Andy LeFebre explained that BerryLand is currently looking to fill seasonal positions at their farm. “
We typically need extra help during the busy parts of the season, with positions [open for] experienced weeders, scare actors, cashiers and pumpkin pickers. Currently, we could use a few more scare actors. Working at Berryland is pretty fun — you work with good people, get to work outside, get your workout in and it’s seasonal so [it’s] perfect for a little extra money right before the holidays,” he said.
With more surprises to come and fall fun around the corner, guests can find that there is an adventure waiting for everyone at BerryLand.
BerryLand has two locations, depending on the season. Both locations reside off of Hwy. 41 and Hwy. 141 in Abrams. The pumpkin patch can be found at 5687 Steinkraus Ln. on East Frontage Rd., while asparagus, rhubarb and strawberries can be found 5810 Heimke Ln. on West Frontage Rd.
For more information on open positions, call (920) 621-1148. For more information on BerryLand, visit their website www.pickberryland.com.
Pass It Forward™ editorial is sponsored by Packers Give Back, Nicolet National Bank and the National Trust for Local News.
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