Lewiston Tries to Shut Down Niagara Pumpkin Farm Despite Years of Trouble-free Operation

A popular Niagara County family farm is fighting to keep its gates open after town officials in Lewiston ordered them to shut down just days before their fall season was set to begin.

Alisha and Kyle King, owners of Niagara Pumpkin Farm on Townline Road in Sanborn, had been preparing for their third season welcoming families, school groups, and visitors from across the region. For years, their farm has operated without incident, growing into a beloved seasonal attraction known for hayrides, livestock, food trucks, and festive fall displays.

The Kings also donate a portion of their proceeds to local organizations including Oishei Children’s Hospital, the Niagara SPCA, and area schools.

Despite this track record, the Town of Lewiston is now requiring the family to shut down until they obtain a special use permit and additional safety inspections, procedures that could take weeks and put the entire season at risk. The farm, which is zoned rural residential, has been told it cannot continue operating at its current scale without special approval. Town officials argue that attractions like corn mazes, hayrides, and food vendors draw too many visitors to be allowed under residential zoning.

However, officials could not explain why it has not been an issue in the past.

For the Kings, the last-minute demands have been devastating. They had already invested time, money, and labor into preparing for opening day when they were blindsided by the order to stop operations. Each time they make progress, they say new requirements or restrictions are thrown in their way leaving them at a standstill. The uncertainty has been especially stressful for the family who rely on the farm both as a source of income and as a shared passion project involving their four young children.

The farm has grown steadily since opening in 2022, quickly becoming one of Niagara County’s most anticipated fall destinations. This year, they planned to introduce new attractions such as a pumpkin house, a fall boutique, and expanded food offerings along with their popular haunted hayrides that run every October weekend. Whether those plans move forward now depends entirely on Lewiston’s Planning Board.

A public hearing on the farm’s future is scheduled for Thursday, September 18th at 6:30pm at Lewiston Town Hall. The Kings are urging neighbors, customers, and supporters to attend or send letters backing the farm. They believe strong community turnout could make the difference in whether their business is allowed to continue.

Without approval, the family fears they may never be permitted to open again. After years of trouble-free operation and meaningful contributions to the community, supporters see Lewiston’s actions as an unnecessary and heavy-handed attempt to shut down a business that brings families together and helps local charities.

Lewiston Tries to Shut Down Niagara Pumpkin Farm Despite Years of Trouble-free Operation