Pumpkin farm offers teens working experience

Have you ever heard of Bishop's Pumpkin Farm? It's a good sized farm that sells everything from pumpkins and fudge to chimichangas and keepsakes. Bill and Sandy Bishop opened this lovely farm in 1973, and it has thrived ever since.

There are many things that attract people to the farm, such as the petting zoo or birthday parties with the "pumpkin princess." People come from near and far to witness its 73-acre pumpkin patch.

The pumpkin farm hires about 350 people every year. Most of those are teens, and I happen to be one of the lucky employees. Bishop's is the perfect job for many teenagers who have no work experience because it teaches you how to be a team player and also how to be more than professional in the work place. Everyone wants a chance to work in this relaxing atmosphere.

While working at Bishop's, I've met such a variety of people. I thought that most people who worked at Bishop's were from Wheatland — little did I know many people drive all the way from the Yuba-Sutter area just to work here.

I've become close with many people I work with, including Conner Wick, a senior at River Valley High School, who said, "I just love working here! It's great to be able to work with friends, and the job is only seasonal, so I don't have to worry about it during wrestling season."

Although our farm work is seasonal, I'm sure the farm gets just as much business as a regular business does all year long. I work in Pigadeli Square, which is the kitchen in the farm. We're always kept on our toes!

Jake Thome, 17 and a senior at Marysville High School, said, "It gets so hectic, sometimes it feels like it will never end. The only thing that makes it easier is your co-workers helping you."

When the farm first opens each year, there is a sense of calm because not many people know it's open. But the closer it gets to Halloween weekend, the busier the farm gets.

To work at Bishop's, you must know lots about the farm. Many guests ask where things are — like the lemonade stand, hay rides, etc. — and we have to point them in the right direction.

The farm is very family friendly. There is a little train that runs around the pumpkin patch, a flower garden, a corn maze and Coyote Mountain, which is a place where guests and their children can ride down an enormous slide. When they reach the bottom, there's a moat in which they can find marbles, and the children can collect all the marbles they desire.

Working is a big responsibility, and the Bishops take it very seriously. They hire people who have never had jobs before and train them how to be good employees — how to be respectful and how to do their job.

Everyone in management at the pumpkin farm is amazing. Everyone is so nice, respectful and understanding. I absolutely love working there. This is the best place ever, and it's a pleasure to work as a team.

Natalie Ross is a senior at Wheatland Union High School. Her column appears every six weeks in Education.