News : Passing of the Jack O\' Lantern: Kacena Pumpkin Farm to open Sunday

Izzy Birker was one of many children who helped pick pumpkins at Kacena Pumpkin Farm on Saturday.

Bonnie Sanders and Deb Kacena discuss setting up at the Kacena Pumpkin Farm, which opens Sunday.

Dennis Landrus' '55 Chevy brought the first pumpkins from the field to the Kacena Pumpkin Farm.

Deb Kacena put out a Facebook call for volunteers to help pick pumpkins and squash and help her and husband Kevin set up the Kacena Pumpkin Farm.

Approximately 100 people answered the call, and spent many hours Saturday helping the couple.

They gathered at the farm's store and outside display area on 55th Street (just past the curve on Highway 150, about five miles north of Vinton). From there they drove to the fields the couple rents from Arlan Hollenbeck, and returned with loads of pumpkins and squash.

The first pickup to pull in with a load of pumpkins was the restored brown 1955 Chevy of Dennis Landrus.

"That honey of a truck was the first haul of pumpkins that pulled into our farm today - it was an awesome sight," said Deb Kacena. "It made me teary-eyed."

After 40 years of visiting the Sanders Pumpkin Farm, Vinton area residents are willing to help the Kacenas continue the tradition that Bonnie Sanders began 41 years ago.

Sanders announced her retirement early in 2014, hoping the news would inspire someone to carry on the tradition.

The Kacenas were that someone.

For the past year, Sanders has been sharing her knowledge of pumpkin farming as well as business tips, helping the couple prepare for their first year.

"Bonnie has held our hand the whole way. None of this would be possible without her," said Deb, as she and others worked on Saturday, setting up displays.

For information about hours, products, visits and more, see the Kacena Pumpkin Farm Facebook page. The Kacenas will also continue their Christmas Tree farm.

The farm officially opens at 1 p.m. Sunday.

See more photos of the pumpkin picking party HERE.