CHESTERFIELD • Rombach Farms and Pumpkin Patch, a popular fall destination in West St. Louis County, is closing after decades in business.

"Due to circumstances beyond our control we are closing," the company said Saturday via Facebook. "We were seriously thinking about retiring but now we have no choice. We have to close this year ... Thank you all for your support over the years."

The post said there is a slim chance the pumpkin patch could return for a final year next year.

Rombach Farms, a family business at 18639 Olive Street Road, offered anything from hayrides to a country store. Patrons and former employees lamented the news on Saturday, saying it was an end of an era.

Under the description, "feeling depressed," Rombach Farms tried to explain online:

"There were three Rombach Brothers that owned this farm. There is one surviving aunt here from the previous generation. To make a long story short, one of the inheritees (if there is such a word!) is suing my husband and aunt to sell. Also forbidding us to use his share of the land. This is affecting sooooo many people. It's very sad. We all know that money, real estate and family = fire in the hole! (In some cases that is)."

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