Evans Acres Family Farm Will Reopen October 1
New owners will host a grand reopening for the historic Kalamazoo property on October 1, 2026.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Agriculture
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Steele and Sadie Evans are scheduled to hold a public grand reopening for the former pumpkin and squash farm in Kalamazoo on October 1, 2026. The couple purchased the 50-acre property in fall 2025 after the passing of Gene Rhodes in 2024.
Why it matters
The reopening marks a continuation of a long-standing local tradition, with the new owners aiming to honor the history of the farm while introducing updated features. Their efforts follow a year of preparation to revitalize the land originally acquired in 1885.
The farm encompasses 50 acres of planted pumpkins and squash. This site has been a fixture in Kalamazoo since it first began selling pumpkins in 1957.
The players
Steele and Sadie Evans
They are the new owners who purchased the farm in 2025 and are leading its revitalization.
Gene Rhodes
He was the previous owner of the farm who passed away in 2024.
Myron Rhodes
He was the original purchaser of the farm property in 1885.
The details
Steele and Sadie Evans have spent the last year readying the farm for its public debut, which includes the addition of a new herd of goats and a chicken coop. The farm will continue the long-standing tradition of allowing visitors to pick their own pumpkins during the harvest season.
Timeline
The property was originally purchased in 1885.
Pumpkin sales began at the farm in 1957.
Gene Rhodes died in 2024.
Steele and Sadie Evans bought the farm in fall 2025.
The farm will hold its grand reopening on October 1, 2026.
Market Landscape
The reopening preserves a local agricultural legacy that has been tied to the same family since 1885. This transition secures the farm's position in the Kalamazoo agricultural market against newer, commercial-scale operations.
Local residents can once again participate in the annual pumpkin picking tradition starting this October. The addition of new animals provides a refreshed experience for visitors planning their seasonal farm visits.
The takeaway
Supporting family-run farms helps maintain local heritage and regional food accessibility. Visitors should plan to visit early in the season to enjoy the full range of new activities alongside the traditional harvest.
What happens next
The farm will hold its public grand reopening on October 1, 2026.
Further reading
For more on local food and land use, visit the Agriculture section.
More information
Find upcoming event details on the Evans Acre Family Farm website.
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Is it important to keep the legacy of long-standing local businesses alive in your community?
