Pumpkinville is recognized by state’s Historic Business Preservation Registry

GREAT VALLEY — State Senator George Borrello visited Pumpkinville Tuesday  to present owners Dan and Diane Pawlowski with a certificate recognizing the popular fall destination’s inclusion in the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry.

A longtime visitor to Pumpkinville, Borrello has watched the family business grow over the years and even included it as a stop on an agricultural tour he hosted for fellow state legislators several years ago. He nominated Pumpkinville for the designation in recognition of its nearly six decades in business and its contributions to the region’s agricultural heritage, tourism industry and local economy.

“Pumpkinville has been part of Western New York’s fall traditions for generations, and I’ve always been impressed by what the Pawlowski family has built here. That’s why I wanted to nominate it for the state Historic Business Registry,” said Borrello. “What started as a simple roadside pumpkin stand has grown into a destination that draws visitors to Great Valley every fall. It’s a great example of the entrepreneurial spirit and dedication that make our small businesses so important to our communities.”

Pumpkinville was founded in 1968 by Joe and Helen Halloran, who began selling pumpkins from a roadside stand along Route 98 in Great Valley. Dan and Diane Pawlowski purchased the business in 1995 and relocated it to their 225-acre working farm on Sugartown Road.

Since then, the Pawlowski family has expanded Pumpkinville into a popular fall attraction featuring pumpkin picking, hayrides, corn mazes, a cider mill, farm activities, homemade baked goods and dozens of other attractions. Today, their children, Lisa and Jim, and their grandchildren are also involved in the business.

“Dan and Diane have done an extraordinary job preserving Pumpkinville’s history while continuing to invest in the business and introduce new attractions each season,” Senator Borrello said. “They’ve also shown how a family-owned attraction can bring people to our rural communities and benefit other local businesses.”

Established through legislation enacted in 2020, the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry recognizes businesses that have operated for at least 50 years and made significant contributions to the history and character of their communities.

“Congratulations to Dan, Diane and the entire Pawlowski family on this well-deserved honor,”  Borrello said. “It’s wonderful to see their hard work and contributions officially recognized by New York State. I wish them many more successful years.”