At Vala's Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard, there's been a changing of the gourd.
Tim Vala, who created Vala's Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard with his late wife, Jan, stands among the many pumpkins on the site. He has turned over the running of the business to his three daughters and two sons-in-law.
NIKOS FRAZIER, OMAHA WORLD-HERALD
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Vala's Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard opened nearly 40 years ago and has grown a lot since then.
NIKOS FRAZIER, OMAHA WORLD-HERALD
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Tim Vala picks an Evercrisp apple in the orchard. The u-pick orchard covers about 40 acres.
NIKOS FRAZIER, Omaha WORLD-HERALD
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Ryder Rodger, 9, and Ben Johnson inspect their pumpkins at Vala's Pumpkin Patch.
NIKOS FRAZIER, Omaha WORLD-HERALD
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Leland Howell reacts with his father, Patrick, last fall after firing an apple canon at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard in Gretna.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Photos: Vala's Pumpkin Patch continues family traditions 39 years later
Elizabeth, James, 3, and David Zeltins of Bellevue carry their pumpkins at Vala's Pumpkin Patch in Gretna on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Tim Vala, owner of Vala's Pumpkin Patch, stands for a portrait in Gretna on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Tim Vala, picks up an evercrisp apple at Vala's Pumpkin Patch in Gretna on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Tim Vala, owner of Vala's Pumpkin Patch, drives through the Gretna fall attraction on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Evercrisp apples grown on a tree at Vala's Pumpkin Patch in Gretna on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Leland Howell, 6, reacts with his father, Patrick, after firing an apple canon at Vala's Pumpkin Patch in Gretna on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Tim Vala, owner of Vala's Pumpkin Patch, stands for a portrait in Gretna on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Tim Vala, picks up an evercrisp apple at Vala's Pumpkin Patch in Gretna on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Matthew Croteau reacts as his daughter Madalyn, 15, drives a cart at Vala's Pumpkin Patch in Gretna on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Pumpkin patches are seen from a hayrack ride at Vala's Pumpkin Patch in Gretna on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
A look at Vala's Pumpkin Patch in Gretna on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Jennifer and Blakely, 8, Petersen carry their pumpkin selections at Vala's Pumpkin Patch in Gretna on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
Evercrisp apples grown on a tree at Vala's Pumpkin Patch in Gretna on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023.
NIKOS FRAZIER THE WORLD-HERALD
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