Mike Cassidy Claims Fourth Virtual Pumpkin Prize
The local Manteca resident secured the $100 prize after locating the hidden virtual pumpkin at Van Groningen and Sons.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Organic Food
Mike Cassidy successfully found the fourth virtual pumpkin hidden at the Van Groningen and Sons produce stand. This find marks the latest development in the Manteca Bulletin's ongoing scavenger hunt.
Why it matters
The virtual pumpkin hunt encourages residents to engage with local businesses while participating in a community-wide activity. It highlights the diversity of local agricultural offerings as the season transitions.
The Van Groningen and Sons produce stand at 14631 S. Jack Tone Road offers 50 to 80 different varieties of pumpkins. The stand operates Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The players
Mike Cassidy
He is a local resident who successfully identified the fourth virtual pumpkin in the ongoing scavenger hunt.
Van Groningen and Sons
This agricultural operation, established in 1922 by Henry Van Groningen Sr., maintains a produce stand in Manteca.
The details
Participants in the hunt follow clues published in the Manteca Bulletin to locate virtual pumpkins placed throughout the area. The farming operation itself dates back to 1922 and currently produces a variety of crops including melons, sweet corn, and almonds.
Timeline
1922: Farming operation started in California.
Saturday: Fifth and final virtual pumpkin clues released.
Culture Shift
The Manteca Bulletin virtual pumpkin hunt utilizes gamification to bridge the gap between digital readership and traditional brick-and-mortar agricultural retail. This reflects a broader trend of local media using interactive community challenges to bolster engagement for small-scale local producers.
Residents planning to visit Van Groningen and Sons should note the operational hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Participants looking to win the final $100 prize should watch for the clues in the upcoming edition of the Bulletin.
The takeaway
Engaging with local agricultural stands provides a unique way to discover a wide variety of seasonal produce options. Residents can participate in these community activities to both support local farms and potentially win contest prizes.
What happens next
The fifth and final virtual pumpkin hunt will commence when clues are released in Saturday's edition of the Manteca Bulletin.
Further reading
For more seasonal agricultural news, explore the Organic Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Manteca Bulletin.
