Local family pumpkin patch honors dead relative

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY)– It may look like demanding work for Kevin McDonald but working a tree lot is a labor of love for him.

“We are trying to create memories. Our goal is to create an environment where people can come and remember that year when they have trees. Hopefully, the fun pieces we have here create additional joy”, said McDonald.

Located on North College Road, Amber Dale’s Pumpkin Patch changes during the Christmas season into a Christmas tree lot. McDonald never intended to have a business like this, but 10 years ago, his family was in a pumpkin patch when they received some of the most devastating news in his life.

“Amber had gone to a wedding and she was headed back, and in 2010, her life was tragically ended in a car accident,” said McDonald.

He turned despair into a dream, as he opened Amber Dale’s Pumpkin Patch, named after his beloved sister-in-law.

“Doing something in her memory, hearing so many people speak her name, hearing so many people have joy in the idea of saying, let’s go into Amber Dales, it makes it so wonderful,” said McDonald.

McDonald says people can go to the pumpkin patch to take photos, see animals, see Santa Clause, and of course — pick out a live Christmas tree. McDonald not only wants Amber’s legacy to live on as a name in the business, but also to remember what the pumpkin patch does to help the community.

“We try to do giveaways. With the Christmas season, we typically try to adopt some families and try to help by giving out wreaths and trees. It is all about what we can do to give that positive impact to the community,” said McDonald.