From a one‑acre family patch to a 20‑acre autumn haven, Brookfield Pumpkins weaves agriculture, heart, and hope into Frederick County’s fall.
From a modest one-acre pumpkin patch to a cherished community tradition, Brookfield Pumpkins has grown into a shining example of how agriculture, family, and philanthropy can thrive together. This year, we proudly honor Brookfield Pumpkins as the 2025 Frederick County Ag Business of the Year.
The story began in 1996 when Sam and Mary Jane Roop planted their first pumpkins as a family project to help fund their children’s college education. At the time, the Roops were still operating a dairy farm, which they continued until 2004. What started as a seasonal venture has blossomed into a 20-acre destination featuring a vibrant pumpkin patch and a sprawling corn maze that draws visitors from near and far.
Brookfield Pumpkins is known for its dense plantings and impressive variety—offering up to 40 different types of pumpkins and gourds. But what truly sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to quality, hospitality, and community. In fact, they’ve never charged an admission fee, choosing instead to create a welcoming, family-friendly experience that keeps customers coming back year after year.
Their charitable spirit runs deep. In 2005, during Mary Jane’s battle with Stage 3 breast cancer, the family launched the Brookfield Corn Maze as a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness. Today, that tradition continues with a powerful mission: each year, 100% of corn maze admission proceeds benefit four causes close to their hearts. The 2025 beneficiaries included the Maryland FFA Foundation, The Community Foundation of Frederick, The GreenSpring Foundation, and Donna Geiman, ALS Warrior. Visitors choose which cause their admission supports—creating a meaningful connection between the farm and its community.
Brookfield’s impact extends far beyond its fields. Sam has served as president of the Frederick County Farm Bureau and remains an advocate for agriculture. Mary Jane served the local agricultural community for years as a farm loan officer for Farm Credit. The family is also actively involved in local organizations, including the Lewistown Ruritan, Good News Presbyterian Church, and the Monocacy River Commission. For more than 40 years, they’ve been a fixture at the Farm Bureau’s Dairy Bar at the Great Frederick Fair!
Their dedication to farmland preservation is equally inspiring. In 2010, Sam and Mary Jane, along with Mary Jane’s parents, placed their 192-acre farm into Frederick County’s Installment Purchase Program, ensuring the land remains in agricultural use for generations to come.
As Brookfield Pumpkins continues to grow, so does its legacy. The 2025 season marks an exciting new chapter as Kelsey and Dan Maslen step into leadership, guided by Sam and Mary Jane’s example of excellence, generosity, and community spirit.
Brookfield Pumpkins is more than a business—it’s a place where agriculture meets heart, where families make memories, and where giving back is part of the harvest.
Congratulations to Brookfield Pumpkins, our 2025 Ag Business of the Year! Stay tuned to next month’s final 2025 Frederick County Ag Award Highlight, Young Farmers of the Year, Bradley and Jamie Lambert.