Papa's Polar Patch
Capital Electric - December 1, 2010
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Hang onto your hats! Old-fashioned car hood sled rides provide age-appropriate speeds and thrills. Pulled by a Polaris Ranger, the triple car hood sleds offer a family adventure. Because of the way the sleds are attached, the last sled gets the most action, while each sled closer to the vehicle gives a more moderate ride. |
Good, old-fashioned fun
If your kids come down with a severe case of cabin fever during the holiday school breaks, take them outdoors, play with them - and give them a hands-on history lesson about good, old-fashioned fun.
Instead of sledding downhill on a plastic toboggan, hop on a retrofitted car hood and ride a flying carpet. Instead of taking a sleigh ride pulled by a tractor, try one led by a team of draft horses and listen as the harness bells jingle. Instead of drinking a steaming cup of cocoa, savor a swallow of true hot chocolate: a square of pure chocolate melted in a cup.
While children can certainly use their imaginations and burn some calories in their own backyards, there's only one place they can ride a flying carpet … or investigate polar caves, race through a bale maze, and appreciate the snowy sensations of what Mother Nature - and Papa's Polar Patch - have to offer.
For the past four years, longtime Capital Electric members Suzie Pearce, Dave and Colleen Pearce, and Tracy (Pearce) and Cory Finneman transform Papa's Pumpkin Patch into Papa's Polar Patch - a winter wonderland of seasonal activities.
The self-proclaimed romantic of the family, Cory says the allure of Papa's Polar Patch is the timeless, country Christmas fun that can be shared among friends, families and generations.
"I enjoy being part of something that creates and evokes so many fun memories and good times for people all ages," he expresses. "It's very rare that parents and grandparents drop their kids off and leave. Papa's Polar Patch is a family affair."
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Guests are encouraged to bring their own ice skates and sense of adventure. Encased in large, straw bales, this ice rink is perfect for a game of hockey, free skate, figure skate or old-fashioned frozen pond slip-and-slide. |
Papa's Pumpkin Patch has been evolving and growing for the past 28 years. Cory estimates the patch ushered in more than 50,000 people this past season, including students, first-time visitors and return guests.
Because the patch offers a unique country environment just a few short miles north of Bismarck that allows children to race and chase, climb and slide - all in a safe environment - members of the community started urging the Pearce family to consider turning the patch into a winter recreation destination.
Dave says the family briefly considered selling trees or poinsettias, like they do with pumpkins, but they didn't have room for trees. And even though the family has extensive experience in running a greenhouse, it would be impossible to keep the flowering plants warm with doors constantly opening and closing.
"The notion of selling something became less appealing, and the idea of ‘let it just be play' took root," he describes.
The family converted existing slides, mountains and caves from Papa's Pumpkin Patch to Papa's Polar Patch. They scheduled the sleigh rides, groomed ice for the skating rink and planned concessions. Then, they visited junk yards and collected old car hoods, and took them back to the patch. They rounded up the sides to make them safe, and covered them with carpet and blankets. Now, the sleds are referred to as "flying carpets."
Dave uses a huge, old county plow to make an 8-foot trail through the patch's woods and trees. Cabled behind four-wheelers, the sleds start flying down the chutes like the old saucers used to do.
"It's far more fun than should be legal," Dave jokes. "It's just such a kick."
Guardians are encouraged to come along for the ride. They can either take part in the adventure and ride in one of the three sleds, or watch from a four-seated club car and take pictures.
"When they see the smile on their children's faces - the absolute glee from riding a stupid old car hood - that's a huge value for families," he shares.
Another value is the low cost of family entertainment. Dave says the Pearce family plans to charge $2.50 per person for admission.
"There are people who approach the gate and see $2.50 and express surprise, and relief, in knowing $10 is a piece of cake for the entire family. Compared to a movie or concert, the cost is minimal," he declares.
Dave speculates Papa's Polar Patch will welcome around 5,000 visitors this December and January. Because of the minimal charge at the gate, and because the Pearce family gives a high percentage of the proceeds back to the community, Dave indicates the family's reward for welcoming strangers to their homes, and for hosting the pumpkin and polar patch, is not money.
"If it ain't fun, it better be profitable. If it ain't profitable, it better be fun. I can tell you, it's a whole lot more fun than it is profitable," Dave assures.
"But you can't place a dollar amount on smiles and special moments. And those happen several hundred times every day," Dave reflects. "Sometimes we sit in the living room with the dark windows and look out, and see kids using their imaginations and having a blast. We have learned over time the value that this place has created for folks," he confides.
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North Dakota winters and wind chills can be brutal. So when is it too cold to enjoy the outdoors at Papa's Polar Patch? The Pearce family adopted the guidelines the schools follow, which state children can't play outdoors when it's colder than 15 degrees below zero.
Dave advises parents to take a commonsense approach to the weather.
"Bundle the kids up and bring them with more clothes than they need," he suggests, as clothing can always be shed but not added. Children can also always warm themselves in the warming house or in the indoor concession area. They can also sit by the outdoor fire pit and toast s ‘mores and drink hot chocolate. Guardians are also welcome to watch their children from the comfort of the warming house.
Papa's Polar Patch 2010-2011 season
Located at 5001 Fernwood Dr. north of Bismarck, Papa's Polar Patch will welcome guests on certain weekends in January, DEPENDING ON THE WEATHER. Questions on dates and weather cancellations can be found at www.papaspolarpatch.com or www.facebook.com/papaspumpkinpatch.