Hail wiped out Venetucci Farm's pumpkin crop forcing cancelation of annual giveaway

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- A storm this summer wiped out the pumpkin crop at Venetucci Farm, forcing the cancelation of the annual pumpkin giveaway this year.

"The hail storm leveled everything," farm manager Patrick Hamilton told Denver7.

Hamilton said the farm was hit by two devastating events this summer.

First, high levels of perfluorinated compounds (PFC) were found in the Widefield Aquifer, affecting the towns of Security, Widefield and Fountain and affecting the farm.

Because of that issue, the farm's owners, the Pikes Peak Community Foundation Board, decided to cease all sales of produce, meat, and eggs.

One week later, the hail storm hit, ruining eight to 10 acres of pumpkins.

Hamilton said while some of the pumpkins are coming back, there's not enough for the give away. However, the farm will still host school groups and a family farm day.

"Kids from the school district will still tour the farm, learn about composting and see the animals," Hamilton said.

The farm will also host its Great Pumpkin Run fundraiser in October.

"We'll keep moving on and hope for better times next year," Hamilton said.