A small Vermont town has become an unexpected fall destination thanks to one woman's creative vision and dedication to her community. Chantel Gonyer operates "Chantel's Creative Creations," a roadside pumpkin stand along Route 105 in North Troy, Vermont, that features more than 55 different varieties of pumpkins and gourds alongside massive, handcrafted hay sculptures that draw visitors from across New England.
What started as a family farming tradition has evolved into something much larger. Gonyer explains that vegetable farming runs in her family, with her brothers previously operating as organic vegetable farmers. "My brothers used to be organic vegetable farmers, and my brother did the pumpkins for years. And, when he got done, I decided since we bought this property, it'd be a perfect place to keep it going," she said.
However, it's not just the impressive variety of pumpkins that makes Chantel's stand unique – it's the elaborate hay sculptures she constructs around them. These aren't simple decorations but massive, detailed creations that include dragons, mammoths, turtles, and even a life-sized train that visitors can sit in. Each sculpture represents hundreds of hours of meticulous work, with Gonyer hand-bundling thousands of hay bales to bring her visions to life.
"The dragon, the mammoth, the turtle... those are all put together like a Christmas wreath. So we sit there and bundle hay, and probably 10,000 bundles went into the mammoth," Gonyer explained. The attention to detail and scale of these creations is remarkable, turning what could be a simple pumpkin patch into an immersive autumn experience that captivates both children and adults.
The sculptures aren't just seasonal decorations either. Gonyer keeps them up year-round for the community to enjoy. "We keep these out here in the winter, too -- so when it snows, they just look amazing," she noted. This commitment to providing a gathering place reflects her deeper motivation for the project – creating a safe, outdoor space in a small town where such places are rare.
While Gonyer is the driving creative force, she doesn't work alone. Her brother Chris assists with the sculptures and signage, while her father helps with various tasks as needed. Her father, Jean-Claude Roberge, speaks admiringly of his daughter's work ethic: "She doesn't stop... she's just a worker. Every day in the summer when she takes care of her pumpkins, she just doesn't quit until it's completely done. I'm very proud."
This year presented particular challenges that tested Gonyer's determination. The opening of her stand was delayed due to a bee infestation in some of the sculptures, and severe drought conditions significantly impacted her harvest. "I only got about half of my regular crop I usually do -- especially the big orange ones; those are down over half," she explained. The drought forced her to take extraordinary measures: "I had to truck water from the river about six miles away, a little bit every day... it could have been worse, but I did what I could."
Despite these setbacks, Gonyer persevered because her motivation extends far beyond personal satisfaction or profit. "For the community, really -- that's what I do it for. I have schools, nursing homes," she said, explaining what drives her to continue the demanding work. The impact on visitors, particularly elderly residents, is profound and moving.
"I love when the nursing homes come and I'll help push the people down here in their wheelchairs... it's the highlight of the year, they said. That is what it's about for me," Gonyer shared. These moments illustrate how her creation serves as more than entertainment – it provides joy, connection, and memorable experiences for people who might otherwise have limited opportunities for such outings.
Chantel's Creative Creations represents something increasingly rare in today's world: a labor of love that prioritizes community connection over commercial success. Through her combination of agricultural skill, artistic vision, and genuine care for others, Gonyer has created a destination that embodies the best of Vermont's community spirit and fall traditions, proving that sometimes the most meaningful attractions come from the heart rather than from marketing budgets.
