So here's the deal: I rode the Pumpkin Patch Express at East Broad Top Railroad, and while it was…read moreabsolutely adorable, festive, and full of fall charm... I'm docking a star for one very specific reason -- they advertised a Halloween costume contest with every train departure and then... just didn't do it. Like, poof. Gone. No announcement, no explanation, no spooky spirit. Just me in a full Halloween costume wondering what in the Great Pumpkin was going on.
Let me back up. I had to cancel my original trip a few weeks before because of a family emergency. Their staff was super helpful, issued me a gift card, and made rebooking easy. Total gold stars for that. I ended up rebooking on the last day of the Pumpkin Patch Express, and even splurged for seats in the caboose (because who doesn't want to pretend they're in a vintage movie for a day?). It was $65.32 for two adults, and honestly worth it for the unique view alone.
The Orbisonia Station was clean, festive, and well-run. Fall décor everywhere, the kind of stuff Pinterest dreams are made of. The train ride? Perfectly timed -- long enough to enjoy the scenery, short enough that I didn't start questioning my life choices or wishing for snacks.
When we arrived at the pumpkin patch, it was like stepping into autumn heaven: games, bounce house, mini-golf, food trucks, firepits, and plenty of pumpkins. The whole setup was great -- even the port-a-johns were clean (which is the real fall miracle here, let's be honest). We hit the food trucks first (pro tip!) and scored seats in the sunshine next to a firepit. I devoured my lunch, soaked up the view, and might've gotten a little competitive playing mini-golf -- nailed the final hole in one and absolutely celebrated like I'd just won the Masters.
Now... back to that nonexistent costume contest. Picture me: all decked out, fully committed, ready to strut my spooky self for glory. I walk up to the counter, big smile, ready to ask where the contest will be -- and a rather grumpy man behind the desk hits me with a "Yeah, we're not doing that anymore." No apology, no explanation, no nothing. Just crushed dreams and a ticket in hand.
Sir. I have read your Facebook event posts. All. Of. Them. You promised me a costume contest. You got me excited. And you're telling me this now? On the platform? In my Halloween costume?
I'll admit it -- I was bummed. Like, "eat extra candy corn later to cope" bummed. But I wore my costume proudly anyway (as did my adventure buddy and a few other brave souls), made my own fun, and still had a great time. Though I definitely whined about it the entire train ride back. My poor adventure companion earned a medal that day.
So yeah, East Broad Top -- the train, the views, the pumpkin patch setup -- all awesome. But if you're going to advertise something, please follow through. Some of us plan our entire fall outfit strategy around these things, okay?
Still, I can't stay too mad. I had a blast, the caboose ride was a dream, and it's a memory I'll be laughing about for a long time. Just...maybe next year, they can keep their event promises or update their marketing so folks know what to expect? Less ghosting on the costume contest and more ghost costumes, deal?
