A variety of crops, three generations of family members, and an annual pumpkin party, the Carter family has been recognized in the Park Rapids community for years. Now the family is getting statewide recognition for their hard work. The Carters are one of 74 families that have been named a “Minnesota Farm Family of the Year,” but they’ve been working on their trademark red wagon farm for generations.

Russ and Maxine Carter started the farm by selling produce at a market stand in town. Now, two more generations of Carters have traded that stand for a full-fledged market and 400 acres of farm land. The Carters grow a wide variety of crops including rhubarb, cucumbers, strawberries, tomatoes, and more, and the whole family pitches in to get work done.

The Carters have been growing fresh produce since 1955, but they say it’s their focus on innovation that has made them successful. Now, the family hosts pumpkin parties each year that have pumpkin boats, giant pumpkins, and an extensive corn maze. This year’s maze is themed mysteries of the world. The pumpkin party starts this year on September 27th.

By — Lakeland PBS

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