Four-year FFA member and Hamilton Heights FFA President Kylie Schakel is a Nickel Plate Express employee who has stepped up to ensure this year’s Pumpkin Express is bigger and better than ever.
“Last weekend the train brought some 600 visitors to the pumpkin patch,” said Nickel Plate Express Executive Director Dagny Zupin. “Hamilton Heights FFA has done an outstanding job in planning and hosting this special family-friendly event.”
According to Zupin, one of Nickel Plate Express’ first – and best – employees is Kylie Schakel, a Heights senior. This year, she is running point on the pumpkin patch and making it her mission to improve the event.
Schakel told The Reporter there are a variety of differences between this year’s ride to the pumpkin patch.
Schakel
“Last year the train took the guests to the patch and people got off and they just went through the patch,” Schakel explained. “For example, there were no pre-picked pumpkins. This year we added some changes. We have a roll-up bounce house, an obstacle course and a kiddy’s land where everything is free. We have a playhouse there for the children. In concessions we have added a bake sale. We have pre-picked pumpkins as well as the hayride. We have also added gourds for sale as well.”
The partnership between Heights FFA and the Nickel Plate Express not only teaches FFA members time management, it teaches them about finances and it also allows them to get out to community members.
“That is part of what our organization is about,” Schakel said. “We are extremely community-based. On top of that we have the opportunity to work hands-on with the public who come to the patch. It is a hands-on experience for our members which allows them to grow into their future careers and anything they want to pursue past high school.”
That focus on the lessons FFA teaches for life after high school is important to Schakel, who plans to run for Indiana FFA state office, taking a gap year before she starts college.
If she is elected to state office, her responsibilities will include traveling the state advocating for agriculture and FFA, facilitating classroom discussion as well as organizing camps and leadership conferences to build members leadership skills and future career success.
“If I do get the state office, I will have to take a year off, but my plan is to come back every summer to work for Nickel Plate,” Schakel said. “At Nickel Plate Express, we value our customer service. It is all about the experience for our guests. We really want them to enjoy the ride. We interact with kids on the ride and give them an activity to go along with the 25-minute trip to the patch.”
Passengers can enjoy a variety of free activities at the pumpkin patch. However, FFA pumpkins, gourds and concession stands are not included in the ticket cost. The bounce house will cost $2 per child. All the money from pumpkins, gourds, the bounce house and concessions will go to Heights FFA projects and contests.
Pumpkin Express rides will take place this Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 26 and 27. Tickets are available at NickelPlateExpress.com.
Might want to fix dates before someone gets confused. This coming Saturday and Sunday are October 26th and 27th.